The rehabilitation work at Morton Jeffray is finally set to be complete by December, Harare Water Director, Engineer Hosiah Chisango has said.
By Lovejoy Mutongwiza and Faith Zvorufura
This comes after reports that City of Harare is losing more 65% of treated water through leakages as a result of old water pipes which are being replaced.
Briefing the Minister of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing, Saviour Kasukuwere and Harare Mayor, His Worship Benard Manyenyeni on progress made in rehabilitating Morton Jeffray water works, Chisango said there is need to replace the old pipes to reduce high rate of leakages.
“The pipes that we currently have are dysfunctional and the physical loss experienced is about 65%, for this to be curbed, the pipes need to be replaced, pumping sessions increased, replace meters to pre-paid ones.
“So our share of the $144 million is being used to replace the old pipes. We hope by December we will be done,” said Engineer Chisango.
Upon completion, the station will reduce the current water rationing in the city. It will also be able to cater for new settlements like the Hopley area.
“The aim this year is to reduce losses by at least 20% and improve the water treatment,” said Chisango, adding that they are using accelerator clarifiers which have not been functioning since 1986.
Engineer Chisango assured Kasukuwere that water rationing and quality of water would have improved and stabilized by December 2017.
In his response, Kasukuwere expressed satisfaction with the work done at the water treatment plant saying government will continue to help City of Harare to supply quality water to Harare residents.
A front view of Morton Jeffray water works. Picture Credit: LOVEJOY MUTONGWIZA
“We commend the good work being done here. Surely we can see that upon completion, most of the water problems will be a thing of the past. We hope by December as planned, we will see the completion of this plant,” said Kasukuwere.
He added that the pipe replacement program will be taken to other city councils around the country in order to curb water leakages.
