Gwanda — The government has earmarked provision of clean water as one of its top three priority areas this year, a Cabinet minister has said.
Addressing a public meeting in Gwanda over the weekend, Industry and Commerce minister Welshman Ncube said the government aims to provide safe and clean water in both rural and urban centres countrywide.
“This year, the government has prioritised energy, revenue generation, water and creating harmonious labour relations in both the public and private sector,” he said.
Most urban centres have been experiencing water shortages, forcing some to introduce water rationing regimes.
This has been attributed to few water sources in relation to the increasing urban population over the years and that the few sources have been affected by siltation.
Climate change has also been cited as a contributing factor as erratic rainfall patterns have affected many supply dams.
Matabeleland region has been the worst affected with the envisaged Matabeleland Zambezi Water Project mooted in 1912 still a pipe-dream.
