The Upper Manyame Sub-Catchment Council (UMSCC) has flagged a concerning discovery of Escherichia coli (E.coli) bacteria in boreholes across 14 residential areas in Harare. E. coli, commonly found in human and animal intestines, poses health risks ranging from mild gastrointestinal issues to severe infections.
On Monday, UMSCC’s water quality tests revealed E.coli presence in boreholes spanning from Mt. Pleasant and Avondale to cholera-prone areas like Budiriro, Hopley, Mbare, Glen View, and Waterfalls, among others. The council highlighted the potential contamination of the water supply, urging residents not to consume or use untreated water from boreholes in the affected areas.
“The households and institutions who had their water tested have been informed of the results. (They should) not drink, cook, or wash with untreated water from boreholes or other sources in the listed areas,” read the statement
Reuben Akili, director of the Combined Harare Residents Association (CHRA), highlighted the challenge of burst sewer pipes contributing to underground water contamination, citing cases in Mufakose.
“We have conducted our own water testing and discovered that some boreholes in Mufakose were contaminated clearly showing that underground water is contaminated. We also have people who have built houses on wetlands and they make use of pit latrines which then pollute or contaminate underground water. We call upon authorities to monitor the upper Manyame catchment area and address the situation,” said Akili
In an interview with The Environment, water advocacy group, the Community Water Alliance (CWA) director Hardlife Mudzingwa attributed the discovery of the bacteria to the disregard of environmental standards.
“The discovery of the E Coli bacteria in the catchment emanates mainly from burst sewer pipes and disregard of environmental standards by industry so it’s a combination of what’s coming from local authorities as a result of obsolete burst sewer pipes and industry which continue to contaminate ground water.
“There is need for regular assessment of boreholes to ensure that the quality of water does not lead to a situation where we have waterborne diseases. Beyond just the pollution on the catchment we have been failing badly in terms of management of the catchment,” Mudzingwa said.
The alarming findings coincide with a widespread cholera outbreak in the country, as reported by the Ministry of Health and Child Care, with thousands of suspected and confirmed cases, along with fatalities.
