By Fanuel Chinowaita
Mutare, 30 January 2025 – The City of Mutare is grappling with a significant water crisis following a major burst in the 700mm Odzani-Christmas Pass pipeline. The breakdown has severely impacted water delivery to the Christmas Pass balancing tanks, leading to widespread water shortages across the city.
In a public notice issued on 29 January 2025, the Mutare City Council informed residents and stakeholders about the incident. The council assured the public that their technical team is working diligently to rectify the fault, with repairs expected to be completed within 72 hours. To mitigate the impact, the city has deployed water bowsers to central points in distressed areas. Residents are urged to use water sparingly during this period.
Speaking to The Wasu Post, Charles Sadondo, the Mutare City Council Corporate Officer, provided further insights into the situation. “Our team is on the ground, working around the clock to restore water supply within the 72-hour timeframe mentioned in the notice,” Sadondo said. He acknowledged the challenges in addressing the crisis, particularly with the limited number of water bowsers available. “Unfortunately, not everyone will be reached because we have few bowsers, and the city is large. This is why we are focusing all our efforts on restoring the water supply as quickly as possible,” he added.
The council has expressed regret for any inconvenience caused and emphasized the importance of water conservation. “Water is life, please conserve it,” the notice urged.
Residents are encouraged to stay updated through the council’s official communication channels and to report any emergencies or related complaints using the provided contact numbers.
Contact Information:
- Water-related issues: +263 2020 64412
- Ambulance services & related complaints: +263 775792461
- City of Mutare: 0202062222 / 0202062283
The City of Mutare remains committed to resolving the issue promptly and ensuring that normal water supply is restored to all affected areas.