GWANDA – The Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) has disconnected water supplies to Gwanda Municipality over a Z$193.2 million debt accumulated over years.

The timing of the water disconnection in the middle of a Covid-19 pandemic has incensed residents.

ZINWA corporate communications and marketing manager Majorie Munyonga said they disconnected the town of 20,000 people as part of an ongoing debt-recovery blitz targeting government departments, local authorities and other categories of clients whose accounts are Z$2.4 billion in arrears.

“Of the total debt, government departments owe Z$1.011 billion, local authorities $607 million, farmers Z$395 million while domestic users account for $251 million,” according to Munyonga.

Parastatals, mines, industry, schools and churches are also owing large sums.

“This non-payment of water bills by clients has adversely affected ZINWA’s operations as the revenue generated from the water sales is used for the procurement of critical resources needed in the delivery of service. These resources include water treatment chemicals, fuel, electricity and plant spares,” Munyonga said.

Gwanda mayor Njabulo Siziba said: “We had a payment plan with ZINWA. We’re urgently engaging them to understand why they have taken this drastic step.”

Gwanda District Development Coordinator Thulani Moyo last Wednesday warned of a surge in coronavirus infections in the town, as he urged residents to maintain high hygiene standards including regular hand washing.

Residents are now forced to stand in line in queues at boreholes dotted around the town – risking new virus infections.

Most of Zimbabwe’s towns are supplied water by ZINWA, while major cities are responsible for supplying their residents with water.