Zimbabwe: Harare city officials order water rationing measures as of Jan. 3

Event

Government officials from the City of Harare announced on Thursday, January 3, that new water rationing measures will come into effect for the city on Monday, January 7. Officials also shut down the Morton Jaffray Water Treatment Plant on Friday, January 4, to allow engineers to conduct maintenance and cleaning on the facility. The repairs will cut water supplies to Harare through Sunday, January 6. Under the rationing plan, some suburbs will only receive water supplies three days a week. Residents in some neighborhoods, including Kuwadzana, Budiriro, Glen View, Mufakose, and Kambuzuma will only have access to water at night.

Context

he current water shortages have been caused by low rainfall during the rainy season and increasing water pollution. According to city officials, water levels at Lake Chivero have dropped by 3 m (9 ft).

Advice

Individuals in Harare are advised to conserve water, stock up on bottled water, keep abreast of the situation via local media outlets, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities (e.g. water rationing measures).