More than 3,500 households in Chinhoyi are set to benefit from improved access to clean and safe water through a public-private partnership between Chinhoyi Municipality and Helcraw Water, as efforts intensify to address longstanding water challenges in the town.
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Read E-PaperThe initiative, implemented in partnership with the Government of Zimbabwe through the Ministry of Local Government, seeks to improve water supply and ensure that residents have access to properly treated water for domestic use.
Helcraw Water owner Hon. Farai Jere said access to clean water was a basic necessity that every household should enjoy, regardless of its location or economic circumstances.
“Every household deserves reliable access to clean and safe water. Water drawn from dams must undergo proper purification and treatment before it reaches residents’ taps. Our vision is to ensure that no household or community is left behind in the provision of this essential service,” said Jere.
He said the company was proud to be working alongside the government and the local authority to address Chinhoyi’s water challenges, adding that the partnership demonstrated how collaboration between the public and private sectors could improve service delivery.
“As Helcraw Water, we are proud to be part of the solution. We are working with the government and Chinhoyi Municipality to help communities overcome longstanding water challenges and improve access to safe water. Seeing households move towards a more reliable supply reminds us why this work matters,” said Hon. Jere.
He said some communities in Chinhoyi had endured water challenges for approximately 25 years, with residents reportedly relying on untreated water sources, underscoring the need for improvements in water infrastructure and treatment.
He also raised concerns about the legacy of asbestos-cement pipes previously used in water distribution, highlighting the importance of maintaining and upgrading infrastructure to protect water quality.
Hon Jere said water provision should remain a central priority in urban planning because of its importance to household welfare, public health and economic activity.
“People can manage without many of the things found in a home, but water is indispensable. It is needed for drinking, cooking, cleaning and maintaining basic hygiene. Ensuring that families have access to safe water is therefore not just an infrastructure issue; it is a matter of public health and human dignity,” he said.
The Chinhoyi initiative highlights the potential of public-private partnerships to help local authorities address infrastructure gaps and improve access to essential services.
Sustained investment in water treatment facilities, distribution networks and infrastructure maintenance will be critical to ensuring that the progress made translates into a dependable supply of safe water for residents.
