Wash Connector Newsletter Issue VII 2018

Inside This Issue...
Editor’s Note
Handwashing Campaign Fosters Systematic

WASH Behaviour Change in Zimbabwe
Reaching out to the Unserved through

the National Command Water Harvesting
Programme
Revolutionising Rural Water Supply through

the Piped Water Scheme Concept
Open Defaecation Free Campaign in Chiredzi

District: Reinforcing the Human Right to Life
Water and Sanitation Service Delivery in Urban

Areas: The Missing Link
Mutangi Village: Beyond Open Defaecation

Free Status
Rushinga District: Taking Community Based

Management for Water to the Next Level
Water Guard: Low Cost Disinfection Option for

Household Water Treatment in Rural Areas
Story Behind Harare Typhoid Outbreaks
Experiences on U-Reporting:Mvurwi Town
The Human Right to Water: A Flip through the

2018 National Budget
DISCLAIMER: Any views or opinions

presented in this newsletter are
solely those of the respective author
and do not necessarily represent
those of the Zimbabwe WASH Sector
management body, the National
Action Committee, it’s Secretariat
the National Coordination Unit or it’s
funder UNICEF.
WASH Connector Newsletter. ISSUE VII • iii

iv • WASH Connector Newsletter. ISSUE VII
Note from the Editor
Be Involved meetings, workshops and events

whose proceedings can lead you
Be the change you want into motivating articles for this
to see in the Sector! newsletter; you can support your
cause financially by donating
My late mother was, and funds that can then be used
still is the most meaningful to support production of this
influence in my life. She quartely newsletter including its
taught me the value of distribution which we used to do
being involved. During through the Sunday Mail until a
her time, she used to be point our committed support dried
very active in community up; you can create awareness by
work supporting the sharing this newsletter widely
causes she believed in. My amongst your circles, speaking of
mother served on committees of various it to your friends and family etc.
community organizations including the
most popular one in Rural Chivi, the ‘Food The benefits are enormous. Becoming
for Work Programme’. When my mother involved provides a real personal sense
felt she needed to make something happen of satisfaction in knowing that you’re
in the community, she would immediately making a difference in the sector,
get involved in the specific committee with community and nation; your voice is
the power to influence change. She used to heard; you expand your social network
say to me “…Ravhu, remember every voice of like-minded sector people and make
makes a difference. If you don’t get involved, new friends; you learn new skills and
you can’t complain about the outcome.” Wise ways of doing things and expand your
words that I am still living by 11 years after work experience.
her ill-timed departure from mother earth!
Now that I’m a family man, I see how true Articles in this issue are all written by people
that is. With two active children participating who have engaged themselves in a cause;
in a variety of sports, school and church their cause! They freely share their viewpoint
activities, I see the impact being involved and passion. I encourage you to do the
has on them. They’re developing a sense same! Whether it’s a project that you are
of purpose and belonging. They’re learning implementing, a human interest story that
compassion by serving others. I admit, as a you have come across or a policy position
working dad, there are times I feel like there that you want to bring out for attention from
aren’t enough hours in the day. But with my the sector, there is room for each person
divine wife Mercy, we have worked out a plan. to define their position, contribute to their
We act as a team sharing family and work cause and make a difference. And the end
responsibilities; we support and encourage result is positive because it makes life better
each other and our children to become active for all. Be Involved! You’ll be glad you did!
participants in life. I think it’s one of the most
important lesson you can teach yourselves
and ultimately your children.
However, the most important question is

Sincerely
where am I driving you to? I want you all to
be involved in this sector newsletter. There Dhoba Lovemore
are many ways to become involved. You WASH Information Officer,
can give your time by getting involved in National Coordination Unit
WASH Connector Newsletter. ISSUE VII •1

Handwashing Campaign Brings About Systematic
Chenai Ndori
demonstrating
effective hand
washing with
soap
By Sharon Murinda and Richard a sanitation facility continues to be very high;

Nyamanhindi, SDC challenges that the Zimbabwe Handwashing
Campaign was designed to address.
The road to Makwau Primary School perched
Like any other development programme
on an uneven terrain of the dry Zaka District
targeting behaviour change, the port-of-
in Masvingo Province in Southern Zimbabwe
call for the Swiss Agency for Development
is long and snaky. Here and there, a Mopani
and Cooperation (SDC) in handwashing
tree blossoms green and brown against the
Campaign was to target school children
drought-parched yellow hills. Dotted behind
and their caregivers. Working with various
the fused asbestos and round thatched-roof
partners such as the National Action
houses is the occasional water well which Committee for Water Sanitation and Hygiene
households and communities rely on for their (WASH) in Zimbabwe, the Ministry of Health,
drinking water. the Zimbabwe Handwashing Campaign
In both rural and urban Zimbabwe – Water, Alliance consortium (ActionAid in Zimbabwe,
Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) related Farm Community Trust of Zimbabwe, and
diseases continue to kill nearly one out of ten the Combined Harare Residents Association),
the Zimbabwe Handwashing Campaign was
children before they reach their fifth birthday.
launched in August of 2015 ending in June
According to the 2014 Multiple Indicator
2017.
Cluster Survey, many of these deaths are
due to the effects of unclean water and The campaign used multiple communication
inadequate sanitation and hygiene in schools channels to spread the sanitation messages
and at home. The number of incidences in such as community meetings, direct face-
both urban and rural domains of households to-face meetings, mass media and celebrity
using unprotected water sources and figures such as musicians to spread the
relieving themselves outside the confines of message. The Handwashing Campaign
2 • WASH Connector Newsletter. ISSUE VII

started with an urban concentration around “She has taught us so many things already,”
Zimbabwe’s Capital City Harare, whereas says Susan’s grandmother, 63-year-old Gogo
the rural campaign targeted two districts of Chenurai. “Her nine-year-old sister Portia
rural Zimbabwe (Bikita and Zaka in Masvingo also lives with me, and her five-year-old
Province). The campaign followed a multi- nephew, Dumi. We are all much healthier,
level approach that targeted school children since Susan taught us what she learned at
and primary caregivers as agents of change. school: to wash our hands after going to the
The main objective was to increase the toilet and before cooking and eating. Little
frequency and technique of handwashing Dumi is growing up strong. He no longer gets
with soap at key times. diarrhoea the way he used to,” says Gogo
Chenurai.
One of the schools that benefitted from Although relying solely on a software approach,
the initiative was Makwau Primary in the Zimbabwe Handwashing Campaign was
Zaka District. “Most learners are now successfully implemented with recorded
finding it difficult not to wash hands reduced incidences of diarrheal diseases in
with soap at critical times – it’s now the targeted communities. Observed food-
part of their natural life,” said Mr. related handwashing with soap frequency
Shoshore the Head of Makwau Primary. increased significantly at follow-up to 68%
“Previously, they never used to wash among school children and up to 26% among
their hands after using the toilet and if primary caregivers. Observed stool related
they did, soap was not part of the handwashing with soap frequency increased
equation,” he continued. by up to 38% among school children and
33% among caregivers.
The Campaign was centred around the During the campaign, handwashing
RANAS model of behaviour change, which infrastructure also improved in participating
focuses on factors that influence behaviour schools and households by 41%, while
including Risk, Attitude, Norm, Ability and soap availability increased by 72%. Notable
Self-Regulation. The RANAS approach is unexpected outcomes included beneficiaries
an easily applied method for measuring constructing latrines through self subsidy
behavioural factors, assessing their influence and rural households witnessed increased
on behaviour, designing tailored strategies awareness and understanding of the
that change behaviour, and measuring the importance of hygiene and sanitation through
effectiveness of these. establishing handwashing facilities such as
tippy taps in households and schools in all
The hygiene skills that pupils learn especially project areas.
in schools can turn them into vital ‘agents
Through the Handwashing Campaign, the
of change’, both now and into the future as
RANAS model was also endorsed by the
they become parents themselves. During
Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education
the course of the Handwashing Campaign,
and there are ongoing discussions of rolling
school children became transforming agents
the campaign out to other schools beyond the
of change in their various communities.
targeted areas. In addition, targeted schools
Twelve-year-old Susan Madiro, a member deliberately began to budget for procuring
of the Makwau Water and Sanitation Social soap in order to ensure that learners sustain
Club, cascaded what she learnt from the the good practice. At the policy level, the
Handwashing Campaign to her immediate campaign managed to influence the inclusion
family and transformed their WASH of handwashing with soap under running
experience significantly. water in the National Sanitation and Hygiene

policy and strategy under development challenge in most schools and communities.
through lobbying and interactions with the Distances that children and women have to
Government of Zimbabwe. travel to fetch clean and safe water work as
a deterrent to washing their hands regularly
and some eventually turn to unprotected
The campaign also benefitted from a
nearby sources.
huge commitment and ownership of
local authorities including traditional A number of lessons became apparent from
leaders. Project adoption by local policy the Zimbabwe Handwashing Campaign
makers has been overwhelming. chief amongst which was the importance
Traditional leaders accepted the of implementing a data-driven campaign
importance of promoting handwashing as it is generally informed by the needs
with soap and are enforcing of the targeted population. Using mass
handwashing with soap in their media allowed broader reach, but consistent
communities. messaging, especially during the rainy
season is critical.
Despite the success, a number of challenges Overall, the campaign showed that
were also encountered from the campaign. institutional support is imperative for
Private sector engagement, which is critical sustaining the handwashing with soap
for sustainability remained a challenge, component. Addressing access to soap in
especially in the context of various economic order to enable handwashing with soap was
challenges in the country. At a supply level, another important lesson learnt through the
water availability and quality remain a campaign.
School pupils in Zaka taking turns to wash hands after using the toilet

Reaching out to the Unserved through the National
Command Water Harvesting Programme
By Lovemore Dhoba, National
Coordination Unit (WASH)
Climate change has indeed managed to show

and prove its shrewd face to a number of
sectors ranging from food security, health,
WASH to education. In the 2016-2017
rainfall season, a number of school blocks
suffered massive damage to their roof tops
at the hands of very hostile hail storms
accompanied by heavy winds. Mr. Mutazu welcoming stakeholders to the
NCWHP Press Conference
For the Water and Sanitation Sector, the
climate change impact from a hydrological “National Command Water Harvesting
point of view has been two-fold, viz water Programme” (NCWHP) which the Ministry
security for economic growth though in responsible for Water is spearheading in
some cases “rainfall is received in conjunction with members of Parliament
excess resulting in negative impacts representing various constituencies.
like breeching of dams”. The other side
is water scarcity occasioned by droughts
In the spirit of “hitting the ground
resulting in the recession of ground water
running” the Minister of Environment,
levels thus forcing women and the girl child to
Water and Climate Honourable O.C.Z
endure long distances and extended waiting
Muchinguri has long since written to all
times queuing for water. In such compelling
times, bulk transportation and storage of Members of Parliament notifying them
water increases chances of its contamination on the need to submit to the Ministry,
resulting in outbreak of archaic water related “top priority borehole sites” to be
diseases such as cholera and typhoid. drilled in their respective constituencies
Sanitation and hygiene delivery at household under the “Command Water Harvesting
level also become secondary as priority shifts Programme”. The Honourable Minister
towards making use of the scarce resource to was quick to alert all that this
boost food security. programme has started in earnest and
is being implemented in the broad
It is however a sad realisation that whilst context of the Ministry’s identified “100
the heavens are blessing the planet earth Day Quick Wins Programme” as guided
with above normal rains each season, by His Excellency, the President, Cde
central governments are always crying foul E.D Mnangagwa during his maiden
of excess rains but failing to capitalise on
Cabinet speech.
this precious commodity to tweak economic
growth. In that regard Zimbabwe’s Ministry
of Environment, Water and Climate through It is quite inspiring to learn that the Zimbabwe
the Department of Water Resources Planning National Water Authority (ZINWA), a technical
and Management has been quick to rise to the and engineering arm of the Ministry has
occasion making sure that the excess water already deployed four fully oiled drilling rigs
doesn’t ultimately run to waste but is rather to Beitbridge East Constituency, Binga South
harnessed and used for productive use. Main Constituency, Chivi North Constituency and
objective is to try and ensure that water another one to Zhombe Constituency to kick
always remains available to communities start the works. This programme is going to
regardless of season and location. This continue like this until all the Constituencies
is going to be made possible through a are covered. The Honourable Minister is

Reaching out to the Unserved through the National
Command Water Harvesting Programme
Hon. Muchinguri Addressing Stakeholders on Command Water Harvesting
thus requesting for maximum support Water Harvesting Programme” in both

from all the respective Ministers of State rural and urban areas. Work is underway
for Provincial Affairs. at Muntu Clinic in Umguza Constituency of
Matabeleland North, Masikandoro Clinic in
Processes are also underway through the
Marondera East Constituency of Mashonaland
same programme to cast the net wider
East and Mupotezi Clinic in Mutasa North
reaching out to flood water and harnessing
Constituency of Manicaland Province. It
it for productive use. Under that programme
is imperative to note that all these three
cement has already been procured for “weir
programmes are coming in to enhance
construction” and its distribution is currently
water harvesting and making vulnerable
underway in Constituencies such as Bindura
communities better able to adapt and militate
North in Mashonaland Central, Muzvezve
against the adverse impacts and effects of
in Mashonaland West, Mberengwa South in
climate change and its variability.
Midlands, Buhera South in Manicaland and
Hwange East Constituency in Matabeleland
North Province. In this programme It is my personal and strongest
Honourable members of Parliament are conviction that all these programmes
working with ZINWA District Engineers to well executed are definitely going to
make sure that this programme excels. address water access issues at both
household and community level and
The Meteorological Department early this enhance food security through
year announced that the 2017/2018 rainfall community gardens and livestock
season shall be characterised by normal to watering all of which is “…line with the
above normal rains. As if to brace the nation ZimASSET vision of an empowered
against this eventuality and at the same time society and growing economy”.
benefit from this precious commodity well
beyond the rainfall season, the Ministry has
also commissioned the “Roof Tops Rain

Revolutionising Rural Water Supply through the Piped
Water Scheme Concept
By Zibusiso Mangwangwa, Ministry of Hwashanje river, which is almost 2.5km
Environment, Water and Climate and from here”. This ordeal was narrated by one
Lydia Manjoro, DDF Petronella Nziramasanga during an interview
session at Hombwe Secondary School.
Hombwe Piped Water Scheme in Makonde
District is one of the many schemes targeted
for rehabilitation under the DFID emergency
response to the 2016-2017 floods. This
scheme is now a primary source of water
benefitting in excess of 2 000 people pooled
from Hombwe Clinic, Hombwe Primary and
Secondary Schools, Manguwa, Makainganwa
and Mazondo Villages.
Interactions with some local leadership

revealed that before this intervention the
community in question had been drinking
water from shallow wells and rivers leaving
innocent Villagers exposed to the risk of
contracting water borne-diseases. A bigger
part of this population had been accessing
contaminated water from Hwashanje River
shared with animals. Hombwe Secondary
school had been accessing water from a local
borehole which however has high levels of
iron oxide rendering it unsafe for human Petronella demonstrating handwashing at
consumption. “…diseases like diarrhoea, one of the standpipes
typhoid and bilharzia were very common
The clinic also benefited largely from the
in this area. We are however lucky not
rehabilitation of the piped water scheme.
to have been attacked by cholera” said
Waiting mothers staying at the clinic no
Brandon Shiri, a lower grade pupil from
longer have that burden of travelling long
Hombwe Secondary School.
distances hunting for the precious liquid. “…
From the time that the scheme was laundry can now be done as and when one
resurrected from the dead, communities have wishes and personal hygiene with the waiting
noted a great change in their lives. Pupils from mothers has also improved remarkably” said
Hombwe Primary and Secondary Schools for one of the local nurses.
example testified that the scheme came as
Besides benefiting the local schools and
a relief to their long standing problems as
clinic, community members especially the
they are now able to practice good hygiene
elderly have also embraced the piped water
including regular cleaning of their toilets,
scheme. The Help Age Zimbabwe Programs
hand washing at all critical times etc. They
Manager had a discussion with Gogo Chenga
now can also fully exercise and realise their
Mapfumo, a 106 years old lady who had this
right to a healthy clean environment. “…we
to say, “…before rehabilitation of this
used to fetch water from a borehole a
piped water scheme, life has been very
kilometre from here. This hand pump is
difficult for me. I am being taken care of
very heavy and requires combined effort
by a wife to my grandson. In most cases,
of three to five pupils to pump water.
I was depending on her for every drop
The borehole broke down some couple
of water that I needed be it for drinking
of years ago forcing us to resort to

Revolutionising Rural Water Supply through the Piped
Water Scheme Concept
Gogo Magasa Nyoni fetching water from the standpipe
or washing. With this scheme back to Women and children used to spend most of
functionality, my life has changed. I their time travelling long distances to fetch
am now able to fetch water for myself; water for domestic use. One of the self styled
I appreciate the good work you are human rights activist in the area said “…in
doing…!” most cases, children were denied their
right to play as they had to spent good
Gogo Mapfumo’s plight is not different from part of their time hunting for water”.
the rest of other older persons in Chakacha This left many children especially the girl
Village. The overjoyed Gogo Nyoni (born child vulnerable to social ills like rape etc.
17th February 1938) ululated and said “… With a re-bounce of this piped water scheme,
now you have brought Harare down all these challenges are now a thing of the
to Chakacha Village” and with a sigh past. Women and children now have ample
of relief continued saying “…with this time to spare for other productive activities
stand pipe, i am no longer a burden to other than fetching water; thumbs up to all
anyone anymore. I feel like I have been those who supported this scheme in both
liberated!” cash and kind.
DID YOU KNOW?

Zimbabwe shall be commemorating it’s
belated 2017 National Sanitation Week,
Global Hand Washing and World Toilet
Day on Friday the 9th of Frebruary 2018
hosted by Harare Metropolitan Province

Open Defaecation Free Campaign in Chiredzi District:
Reinforcing the Human Right to Life
By Phillina Mukaro, Chiredzi Rural This targeted Ward 20 which had sanitation
District Council coverage as low as 5%.
For years, rural communities have been Local communities heeded the call and
adversely affected by diarrhoeal diseases that formed Sanitation Action Groups
are responsible for the deaths of thousands of (SAGs) in each and every village to help
people in Zimbabwe. The deaths are mainly push households to shun open
attributed to poor access to Water, Sanitation defaecation through the construction
and Hygiene (WASH) services. and consistent use of toilets. This
In 2008, Ward 20 of Chiredzi District strategy saw households constructing
succumbed to a severe cholera outbreak latrines through self subsidy supported
claiming more than 50 innocent lives. A lot of by Internal Saving and Lending
resources were channelled out at community Schemes (ISALs) popularly known in
level to contain the outbreak. Government the area as “Mikando”.
through the District Water Sanitation Sub
Committee (DWSSC) and her partners took Each village held celebrations congratulating
a big move to improve knowledge levels themselves on achieving ODF. Village
on sanitation and hygiene at community 2B Glendevon was the first to attain and
level. This was done through a sanitation celebrate ODF status. The celebrations had
focused participatory and health and hygiene a spill over effect on the rest of the cluster,
education approach aimed at triggering the which encouraged the whole Ward to follow
mind set for sustained behaviour change. suit.
Billboard erected by communities of Ward 20 after attaining ODF status

The Open Defaecation Free Campaign in Chiredzi
District: Reinforcing the Human Right to Life
The cluster of Villages has now been declared up latrines. The Villagers also drew up a
an ODF zone and the local Councillor for the constitution spelling out the expected code of
area rewarded them with a billboard as a conduct in the Ward. This piece of legislation
means to market the Ward’s newly achieved was taken up with the Local Authority for
status. He said this billboard also serves endorsement thus making it socially binding
as a warning to all visitors to shun open at all levels.
defecation.
As if not enough, the Government of In another ODF Village; Maware,

Zimbabwe with support from UNICEF also Chiredzi Rural District Council
chipped in to assist Villagers of Ward 20 facilitated ODF celebrations and
quenching their thirst for water. The Ward conferred an ODF certificate to the
was favoured with a borehole benefitting Village. The Local Authority urged the
Village 2B of Glendevon. The borehole caters community members in the Village to
for 149 households which before this support continue working together to sustain
have been walking more than 5km to access the newly attained status.
the precious commodity. The Villagers now
have a reliable source of clean-safe water for
The Villagers who gathered for this ceremony
domestic use.
expressed joy and appreciation towards
In an effort to sustain their newly achieved recognition of their ODF status by the District
status, villagers have vowed to continue with Authorities. The event was characterised by
Income Savings and Landings (ISALs). This music and dance, with pupils from Ngwana
is with the objective to ensure that each Primary School providing entertainment in
and every household is able to uphold its the form of drama, traditional dance and
ODF status upgrading and replacing filled poetry.
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Connector Newsletter. ISSUE VII
Water and Sanitation Service Delivery in Urban Areas:
The Missing Link
By Taurai Maja, National Coordination
Unit (WASH)
World over, the provision of water and

sanitation services remains key to the socio-
economic transformation of any nation as
these interconnected areas of responsibilities
constitute the key enablers for the smooth
functionality of our built environment.
Any inquiry into the viability of any
intended investment ought to interrogate
the functionality status of the water and
sanitation sector. Furthermore, it is critical
to be cognisant of the fact that in terms of
the Maslow’s hierarchy of needs thesis, water
and sanitation are indeed basic needs which
collectively should be provided consistently
with the noble tenets enshrined in the habitat Burst sewer manhole
agenda. Thus, to sustain the urban livelihoods The macro-economic challenges progressively
and various entrepreneurial activities, diminished the capacity of Government
Local Authorities (LAs) must guarantee the to anchor LAs through the Public Sector
provision of adequate water and sanitation Investment window. Support to Councils
services of approved standards. via the borrowing powers was drastically
reduced in nominal and real terms. This was
Historically, LAs with the funding exacerbated by the fizzling out of multilateral
support from Central Government and support. These challenges rendered it difficult
her co-operating partners were for Councils to mobilise financial, material and
capacitated enough to provide such technical resources as would enable Councils
services. However, from the late 90s, a to provide infrastructural services. The current
negative phenomena set in vis-à-vis the dispensation therefore calls for a paradigm
ability of LAs to cope with the taxing shift in the design and operationalisation of
dictates of the provision and strategies for infrastructure provision and
maintenance of infrastructure in the ensuing discourse shall deliberate on possible
face of ballooning urban population options that may be considered.
trends. The Public Private Partnerships (PPP)
approach comes to the fore as a viable route
consistent with the framework developed
by government. This however can only be
possible if appropriate partnership models
are packaged and well regulated through
an equitable memorandum of agreement
which strikes a balance between return
on investment for the private cooperating
partner and social obligations to protect the
poor. While PPPs come in a variety of forms,
the ideal situation will be for a private party
to provide public infrastructure under a long
term contract with the public sector body.
Dilapidated chemical dosing station
WASH Connector Newsletter. ISSUE VII • 11

Water and Sanitation Service Delivery in Urban Areas:
The Missing Link
Rehabilitated infrastructure through partner support
Noteworthy is that the partnership concept in the relevant sector. Despite the Ministry of
is not in any way unique to today’s situation. Local Government having been hammering
Since the 1990s there has been an increase upon the matter, most LAs seem to be
in PPPs in the water infrastructure sector reluctant to embrace this approach. Such
in developing and transitional countries utilities remain under the purview of Councils.
resulting in a significant improvement in
While the said measures have the efficacy
service delivery. On a related note, it is
to deliver, it is imperative that as a nation,
also possible to incentivise the corporate
we make concerted efforts towards re-
social responsibility arrangement where big
capacitation of LAs to enable them realize
companies can plough back part of their
their mandate. It should however be noted
profits in return for tax or tariff incentives.
that any credible water and sanitation
Other schools of thought also propose that delivery programme must be anchored on a
the management architecture in respect of robust and matching infrastructure strategy.
water supply, waste water and solid waste Thus the sector needs to embrace the critical
management be reconstituted into utility pillars of development which effectively
entities which operate on a “ring-fencing address the socio-economic needs of our
model” to ensure reinvestment of proceeds country.
DID YOU KNOW?with

ashing
a c t of handw a
The s im p le
n in g w a te r can make
r run k of
soap unde ng outbrea
SOAP
in p re ve n ti
difference d Cholera
Typhoid an

Mutangi Village: Beyond Open Defaecation Free Status
By Lovemore Mujuru, Ladislous

Chowoita, Mary Zireva and Jeshua Tofa,
CARE Zimbabwe
“Mutangi” is a Shona word meaning being

first, true to the old adage that “…names
have a meaning”, Mutangi village in Ward
7 of Chivi District, became the first village
to attain Open Defecation Free (ODF) status.
The village with 21 households has a total
population of 182 people. This community
was triggered on the 23rd of October 2014 One of the latrines constructed after
and later declared ODF in April 2016, with triggering
their odometer recording a journey of 18
months. latrine was a breach of the law. These actions
resulted in the village realising ODF to the
A dedicated Sanitation Action Group (SAG)
shock of the District Water and Sanitation
comprising four men and four women pooled
Sub-Committee (DWSSC).
from the villagers spearheaded this drive
towards ODF.
The Village realised that the ODF status
that they had achieved needed to be
sustained as preached to them by the
WWSSC. A number of measures were
therefore put in place to ensure that
the Village continues to enjoy full
benefits of being ODF.
As if to depict their level of eloquence in

sanitation and hygiene issues, Mutangi Village
pushed that its neighbours also be activated
to start moving towards ODF otherwise all
Mutangi village SAG members
its efforts in constructing latrines would be
Before the project, the village with 21 in vain. This coupled with the fact that some
households only had seven standard latrines of its neighbouring Villages were upstream
but that changed as the sanitation and of Nyajecheni stream where they obtained
hygiene education took centre stage in the water pressured the urgent need for this
village. inter-village engagement.
The journey towards ODF for Mutangi village Soon after Mutangi village was declared ODF,
was not an easy stroll in the park. At first, the SAG together with the villagers took it
the program was not fully accepted by some upon themselves to promote sanitation and
section of the village. However through hygiene education in Chimwa, Chidanhika,
continuous engagement with the Ward Water Hware and Manikai Villages. The SAG went to
and Sanitation Sub-Committee (WWSSC), the extent of facilitating latrine construction
latrine construction was jump started and for one Village Head Mr. Manikai in a bid to
completed in 18 months. Inclusion of the promote ODF in their neighbouring Villages.
Village Head in the work of the SAG also saw The SAG together with other community
the enforcement of the village constitution members would visit every household in
which stipulated that failure to construct a the four villages and assist the vulnerable

Mutangi Village: Beyond Open Defaecation Free Status
households with knowledge, labour or is elated by the fact that they now own a
materials for latrine construction. True to double blair latrine with one compartment
their calling, all the other neighbouring designated for females. This she said “…
villages were declared ODF by November makes me feel more secure when using
2016. the toilet”. The Village Head concurs and
Mutangi Village also further embarked on says it is a sign that the village has matured
a mission to ensure that all households in and is able to initiate its own developmental
the Village have double squathole latrines. programs.
The whole Village agreed that this would be
In the spirit of sustainability, the Village
culturally appropriate as it is unacceptable
embraced the concept of Village Savings and
for a daughter in law to share the same toilet
Lending Schemes (VSLs). Households are
with her father in law.
contributing $1 per month towards this pooled
fund which is then used to support upgrading
and replacement of latrines. Behaviour
change on the part of trained latrine builders
has also seen many of them offering their
services to disadvantaged members of the
community at no additional costs.
Mutangi Village has thus managed to show

that ODF status can be sustained and even
improved for the better. The village has been
Madeline household is now a proud owner of
ODF for over a year now and is continuing
a three squathole Blair toilet
to find ways of improving their community
Mrs Chizororo aged 31 said, “...one day i and sustaining their status. The use of VSL
went to the toilet and i was almost in Schemes has seen the Villagers coming
when someone coughed from within. together with the common goal of improving
I later realised that it was my father their lives. The Village has proved to be a
in law” she goes on to express the shock leader in its own right and hence its name
and shame that came with this incident. She “Mutangi”.

By Betserai Tamuka, WHH with some little bit of cement. These stone
durawalls, the communities said were also
Water Point Management Committees constructed with an objective to manage and
(WPMCs) in Rushinga district embraced redirected excess runoff water during rains;
the need to sustain their water points after a notable initiative responding to climate
undergoing a rigorous training in Community change where on yearly basis boreholes are
Based Management (CBM). This activity getting flooded resulting in ground water
done under the banner of the DFID funded contamination.
Rural WASH Project had its objective in
One of the community members interviewed
strengthening capacity of local communities
on this revealed that “…the movement from
to operate and maintain their water supply
the conventional barbered wire with poles
systems with minimal support from outsiders.
kind of fencing to the durawalls is an economic
The Ward based trainings conducted by
move as the later is long lasting and effective
local Extension Workers have so far reached
in keeping away livestock. Added to this we
out to more than 300 water points with
were facing theft challenges with barbed wire
very positive results. These training have
but with this new invention I am confident
encouraged communities to map out long
that the issue of thefts is now a thing of the
lasting solutions to sustain and reduce down
past as nobody has motivation to come and
time of their water points.
steal stones!”
One of the rehabilitated boreholes,

During the training of WPMCs, it was
Chirongamabwe with an exciting story to
agreed that the issue of gender be
tell is 46m deep and the static water level
given the much attention that it
is at 9m signifying very good yield. This
deserves. The committees
borehole situated in Ward 11 serves a total
acknowledged the significance of
of 68 people. After its rehabilitation, 15
having an equal number of female
households which define these 68 people
representatives in their committees
pooled themselves together and gathered
occupying influential positions. Both
stones and raised funds to buy eight bags of
males and females who attended the
cement to erect a 1.4m stone durawall with
trainings agreed that women are active
technical guidance and direction from the
water users who by virtue of that
local Extension Workers.
position have vested interest in the
management, operation and
maintenance of their associated water
points. The acceptable ratio was
therefore proposed and endorsed as
five women to two men.
After a spate of rehabilitations and trainings in

community based management with support
from the project, it has also been noted that
communities have now taken full ownership
of their water points. To-date communities
through their own initiatives and resources Chirongamabwe water point in Ward 11,
have been able to protect and secure more Rushinga
than 15 boreholes from easy access by After securing their water point, the
livestock. This has been done using locally Management Committee facilitated a process
available resources like stones and dagga to draw up plans for productive use of water.

Chirongamabwe nutrition garden
A nutrition garden was put up as an extension bought one goat and 15 local birds popularly
of the durawall which has seen communities known as ‘road runners’. The Local
producing a variety of vegetables for both Authority together with its District Water
household use and also for sale. and Sanitation Committee is very confident
To-date, the WPMC has managed to harvest and also assured Chirongamabwe Water
vegetables twice from their garden which Point Users that this project of chickens and
are then sold to local communities and the goats if well managed will go a long way in
money raised is used to service the water sustaining the operation and maintenance
point fund. Chirongamabwe WPMC has also requirements of their highly cherished asset.

By Innocent Rangeti and Abigail
Tevera, OXFAM
Sometimes it is not the natural disaster event

itself but the aftermath that causes more
shock, harm and loss of lives. Outbreaks of
waterborne diseases and other emergencies
caused by flooding and drought have continued
to impose a heavy health burden in most
developing countries including Zimbabwe.
Lack of infrastructure to guarantee water
quality and safe management of human
waste exposes water sources to human faecal
contamination. Globally, according to World
Health Organization (2017), “…more than
two billion people use a drinking water
One of the beneficiaries redeeming her
source contaminated with faeces…
Voucher with a Local Sole Trader Shop
transmitting diseases such diarrhea,
cholera, dysentery, typhoid and polio”.
Research has shown that household water
This calls for people to adopt Household Water
treatment using disinfectants and safe
Treatment (HWT) technologies to help treat
storage provides a solution to the many
water at point of use and prevent diseases.
water safety issues at household level.
Zimbabwe has for decades experienced
high prevalence rate of waterborne disease
outbreaks mainly cholera and typhoid owing It is estimated that when used correctly
to people drinking water contaminated with and consistently, HWT and safe storage
faeces. of water can reduce diarrheal diseases
by as much as 45%, and save lives of
Oxfam in its pre-crisis market assessment thousands of young children each year
(2016) noted that high density urban (WHO, 2016). This translates into
dwellers continue to face increased risk of
improved health outcomes. Some of the
waterborne diseases due to their heavy
several HWT product options available
reliance on already polluted underground
in Zimbabwe include dilute chlorine
water sources in the name of boreholes and
solutions which have proven effective
shallow wells. This is against a background
in improving the microbiological quality
that, nationally, 12% of households that
of drinking water.
use water from unimproved sources do not
treat their drinking water (ZIMVAC, 2017).
Several reasons are attributed to the low Most of these products are relatively cheap
treatment practices ranging from cost, norms with some currently selling at US$0.65
and beliefs to knowledge levels. “There is which is below the price of a bar of soap. In
a general perception by communities Zimbabwe, Waterguard is one such product
that borehole water is safe” and as being manufactured locally by Nelsport
such households do not take precautions to under the franchise of PSI. It is packed in
practice safe water hygiene practises. Rural a 150ml bottles and comes with usage
communities are not an exception as they instructions. The product is currently priced
share the same perception that “clear water between $0.65 -$1. When added to water in
is safe” and they do not make an effort to tightly covered containers, volatilization is
treat it before use. minimal, and chlorine disinfectants provide

residual protection for many hours. However, an average family of five with 10 000l of
the limitations of chlorine disinfection include treated water for a period of one month. It
limited effectiveness against parasites, was also further assumed that during the 3rd
reduced effectiveness in dealing with odour, month of Waterguard usage, a family would
disagreeable taste etc. have realised the benefits of drinking treated
water, key amongst them being reduction
Oxfam and its local implementing partner
in the number of diarrhoeal cases and the
Aquaculture Zimbabwe with financial support
associated costs at household level.
from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the
Netherlands Government implemented a
hygiene promotion project in five rural Wards An evaluation conducted at the end of
in Masvingo District from April to August the project showed an increase in
2017. Among the key project objectives was WASH knowledge levels amongst
to promote HWT using of WaterGuard sold targeted communities. Evidence from
by the local Sole Traders through a voucher the evaluation showed an increase in
system. This was done to create demand for the number of newly constructed
HWT products. A total of 5000 households hygiene enabling facilities by
were registered and issued with WaterGuard communities in the targeted Wards.
vouchers by their Ward Village Health Health Clubs and community members
Workers. Beneficiary registration was done in displayed increased knowledge of
consideration of specific factors such as water communicable diseases and their
source, hygiene knowledge levels amongst prevalence as shown below. Most
others. Voucher distribution was done in two households reported a reduction in the
phases with the first voucher requiring the financial burden related to diarrhoeal
issuance of one free Waterguard bottle while diseases.
the second phase issued two free bottles. It
was assumed that each bottle would serve
Results showing the reduction of the prevalence of diarrhoea in the targeted wards
Water treatment practices increased from 5% before the intervention to 86% following the
intervention as shown overleaf. Waterguard became the common household water treatment
method (86%) among households and this could be attributed to the 15 000 bottles distributed
to 5000 households and effective hygiene education by the Village Health Workers. Consistency

Water treatment practice: The before and after situation
and correct usage of Waterguard was which did not benefit from the project by
evidenced by the presence of Free Residual redeeming their vouchers to get Waterguard
Chlorine within the WHO recommended were still treating their water by filtering and
standard of 0.5mg/l. Discussions with the boiling. However, a few households were
community members depict that most resisting Waterguard as they believed that
households now view water treatment as a they might get sick when they switch back to
practice that should not only be done during
untreated water come project end. Continual
emergency but consistently.
education through the Village Health Workers
The evaluation also noted that households however targeted demystifying such beliefs.

Dilapidated Plumbing System; Matapi Block of Flats, Mbare Harare
By Lovemore Dhoba, National before one starts feeling sick. Common signs
Coordination Unit (WASH) and symptoms of typhoid include very high
fever (30-40°c), sweating, generalised body
Harare, a Metropolitan City known for its pains, abdominal pains, rash (rose spots),
“Sun shine status” is slowly turning into a general body weakness, constipation and
hive of archaic water and sanitation related diarrhoea. When one suspects typhoid attack,
epidemics chief amongst them being cholera it is always recommended that immediate
and typhoid. The last devastating national action be taken to seek help from the nearest
cholera outbreak of August 2008 recording health facility.
a total of 98 592 cases with more than 4
Though there has been a number of typhoid
200 deaths had its index case in Budiriro,
fever episodes reported from all the corners
Harare. Since then, Harare has managed to
of the country dating back to 2010, Mbare,
tighten up its screws to avert another cholera
one of the oldest residential suburbs of Harare
outbreak of this magnitude. However, cholera
has always been a dear of the pandemic. Out
robots are still flagging amber for Harare
of all cases recorded in the country, City of
as evidenced by regular threats through
Harare and specifically Mbare has accounted
sporadic typhoid outbreaks in and around
for more than half of the reported cases. In
town. Typhoid fever is a type of enteric fever
2016 alone, a total of 2 225 suspected cases
along with paratyphoid fever. The cause is
were reported, 35 of which were confirmed
bacterium Salmonella typhi, also known as
positive with eight deaths. The 2016 outbreak
Salmonella enterica. Typhoid is spread by
sneaked into 2017 and was only declared
eating or drinking food or water contaminated
over in July of 2017 until September the 17th
with faeces of an infected person and is thus
when an index case of confirmed typhoid
characterised as a WASH related disease.
fever was reported from Matapi Flats Mbare
One can get typhoid through eating heralding arrival of yet another outbreak.
contaminated food or drinking contaminated
This time around, the epidemic has started
water. Flies also contribute to the spread
showing its ugly face to the Health sector
of typhoid. After one gets infected with the
well before the onset of the rainy season; a
bacteria, it can take between 7-21 days
situation likely to aggravate as we get full

throttle into the wet season around February/March 2018. Harare City Health Department
has therefore since September 2017 been grappling with this typhoid fever outbreak. A total
of 2 332 suspected and 154 confirmed cases have been reported since then until the 13th of
January 2018 as per the typhoid fever epicurve below:
Harare Typhoid Epi-Curve Up to 13 January 2018

Majority of the confirmed positive cases are coming from Mbare (61) and Kuwadzana (44). The
other suburbs contributing confirmed cases are as shown below:
Confirmed Typhoid Fever Cases by Suburb

A sizeable number of the reported cases of major risk factors driving the outbreak in
are coming from the Western, Southern and Mbare
Eastern parts of Harare with the Northern
part barely affected. Whilst practioners are • The first index case was reported when
still baffled by the cause of this outbreak, a Mbare (Matapi Flats) was forced to run
lot of people are getting infected as evidenced for 2 consecutive weeks without water.
by the current shift in the epicentre of the Municipal water supply in Mbare is
fever outbreak from Mbare to Kuwadzana. A erratic and on testing was found with
recent assessment carried out by the National no residual chlorine at the point of
Rapid Response Team (NRRT) on the current collection. Boreholes are therefore slowly
typhoid fever epidemic revealed a number becoming the primary water source

Story behind Harare Typhoid Outbreaks
produce being sold and the daily removal

being done by City authorities is not
adequate. Heaps of garbage observed is
a serious risk factor.
• Hand washing facilities in the flats were
all vandalised and in some cases space
designated for hand washing has been
turned into living rooms
• Rampant food preparation and vending at
undesignated and unregistered sites
• Medicines sharing and selling are risk
factors for drug resistance.
It has also been noted that whilst there is a

decrease of patients coming to the treatment
centres in Mbare, the risk of transmission has
not yet receded. Some of the patients are
presenting late as there is poor treatment
seeking behaviour amongst residents.
Mbare borehole with inline chlorinator
Mbare and Matapi are at the epicentre
for residents. 37 of the 45 boreholes in
of economic activities in Harare and
Mbare are fitted with inline chlorinators
Zimbabwe at large and the chances of
as a strategy to ensure point of collection
typhoid spread to other areas in and
water treatment. However, the biggest
outside Harare remains very high.
problem is with local level management
Added to this, most of the determinants
of the inline chlorinators ensuring
for Typhoid fever outbreak remain
availability of the chlorine tablet for inline
inplace not only in Matapi and Mbare
chlorination to work effectively. It was
but in most suburbs in and outside
also observed that some residents are
Harare as evidenced by the recent
using decommissioned and contaminated
Choler outbreak in Chegutu.
boreholes.
• Lack of adequate and properly functioning
sanitation facilities. Sewer system at For the situation to improve in Mbare, it is
Matapi and Nenyere Flats has completely recommended that resources be sourced
collapsed and raw sewer from the broken to fully support all short to medium term
down pipes is strewn all over. The few strategies to control the outbreak. In
public toilets at the market cannot cope particular is the need to ensure that the
with the heavy human traffic and this municipality provides adequate safe running
coupled by erratic water supply results in water to Mbare suburb. There is also need
the municipal cleaners failing to handle to urgently improve sanitation and hygiene
the situation. Some of the public toilets facilities and accelerate refuse removal in
are locked at night forcing residents and Mbare. Further research should also be
traders into open defaecation. conducted to establish the level of resistance
• Overcrowding in the flats and to the first line treatment, ciprofloxacin .A
overwhelming solid waste generation in longer term strategy would be to engage
Mbare creates an unhygienic environment hard-line measures to decongest and
conducive for the spread of communicable refurbish Flats in Mbare (Matapi, Nenyere
diseases. Rapid accumulation of solid etc) whose plumbing system for both water
waste around the market due to farm and waste water is now obsolete.

Experiences on U-Reporting: Mvurwi Town
By Arnold Cole and Steven Mudhuviwa, Secretary. Chenesai Health Club was
UNICEF established in 2015, and has since graduated
to include income generating activities as
Mvurwi Town is located 101km north of well as Income Saving and Lending (ISAL)
the Capital City Harare. It is one of the activities.
towns being supported under the UNICEF/
With the introduction of the U-reporting
Government of Zimbabwe implemented
System in Mvurwi Town, Mrs. Shupikai
Small Towns WASH Program (STWP) funded
Banda narrates how she was selected to
by the Australian Government. U-Report
be a U-reporter for her ward and club, “As
is a real time SMS platform where the
secretary for the health club, I was always
instantaneous communication between the tasked with following-up with my club
reporter and the operator on the ground peers on the agreed tasks and actions from
allows for prompt attendance to all faults and meetings. Often as I visit households on
reported problems with a real time feedback such duties, fellow peers and club members
to the respective U-Reporter. This system is would indicate the slow response by the
being piloted under the STWP and Mvurwi is Local Authority in their service requests for
amongst the first five towns selected to run collection of solid waste, and other issues.
this pilot. I would liaise with the Local Authority on
these requests upon their support visits to
Mrs. Shupikai Banda from Chenesai Health
the Health Club or when I visited the town
Club is one of the U-Reporters in Mvurwi
centre. As a result of this engagement, I
Town. Her Health Club which is domiciled in
was selected by my fellow peers as the focal
Ward 1 currently has 35 active members, of
person for U-Reporting in my ward”.
which three are males and 32 are females.
The club has seven committee members, Upon selection of the focal persons, the training
for which Mrs. Shupikai Banda is the Club of U-Reporters was facilitated through a one
U Reporters in Mvurwi Town

Experiences on U-Reporting: Mvurwi Town
and half day training workshop conducted System, we notify the Local Authority of the
by UNICEF, and also included the training location of the heaps of uncollected garbage
of the council staff receiving and providing after the clean-up campaigns, and all the
feedback to the U-Reporters. Each of the solid waste that is cleaned up is timeously
U-Reporters was then issued with a handset collected by the Council refuse collection
and sim card for U-Reporting. The reporters tractor as they will know where to collect it
were also introduced to the communities prior to deployment”
through their health clubs, indicating the
Aside from the above advantages, Mrs.
purpose of the U-Reporting system and the
Shupikai Banda states that the other
expected role of the U-Reporters.
advantages of the system are that,
“ I no longer have to wait to report service

According to Mrs. Shupikai Banda, “the
delivery requests or to incur costs using my
continuous engagement with the
phone to report faults. In addition, the system
communities in the roll out and
has provision for feedback from the Local
especially the transparency in
Authority thus I get to know status of my
explanation of her expected role as a
report when actioned”. Given that she is the
U-reporter, contributed in ensuring the
only reporter in her Ward, which according
acceptance of the system by the
to the 2012 census has a population of over
community. As such most people who
1 250 people, she often has to attend to a
have service delivery requests now
number of people who would be reporting
come to her house to log in reports”,
faults. However from her interactions with
she further states that, “ she takes
the Local Authority she is hopeful that the
advantage of these people visiting her
system is going to expand to incorporate
to report faults to also sensitize and
additional U-Reporters as deemed necessary
discuss health & hygiene issues as this
is one key mandate of their Health
Club”. “…I often have to attend to numerous
requests from the community as I am
the only registered user in my Ward.
As part of their health club activities,
However the Local Authority has
Chenesai Health Club for which Mrs. Shupikai
identified additional U-reporters who
Banda is a member, frequently carries out
are soon to be trained. This will have an
clean up campaigns in it’s Ward. Often after
advantage of bringing the system
such cleanup campaigns some waste would
closer to communities.
not be collected timeously as Mrs Shupikai
Banda concurs, “…now with the U-Reporting
DID YOU KNOW?egutu,

Ch
Ch o le ra o utbreak in
There is a a ll Z im b a bweans to
n
Calling o s it ive s a n itation and
eir po
intensify th related practices.
hygiene

The Human Right to Water: A Flip through the 2018
National Budget
By Hardlife Mudzingwa, Community human right to water enshrined in Section

Water Alliance 77(a) of Constitution Amendment 20 which
has been subjected to the limits of resources
The Government of Zimbabwe through available.
the Ministry of Finance and Economic
Development presented to the Parliament The dawn of a “New Era” which saw the
of Zimbabwe a 2018 national budget on the inauguration of a new President His
7th of December 2017. Policy measures Excellence Cde ED Mnangagwa, was
and interventions of the budget seek to premised on too many references to the
ensure realisation of the overall objectives Constitution of Zimbabwe. Therefore
of Government economic blueprint, the this analysis will not ignore the
Zimbabwe Agenda for Sustainable Socio- national social contract between
Economic Transformation (ZIM-ASSET) citizens of Zimbabwe and the
programs and projects covering the period government which is expressed
2013-2018. Further to the realisation of ZIM- through constitutional provisions,
ASSET programs and projects, the budget obligations and commitments contained
acts as an instrument of accountability and in the Constitution of Zimbabwe.
fiscal transparency and strengthens social
safety nets in support of vulnerable groups.
The policy orientation thrust informing this
Pre-budget consultation meetings had also
analysis is the Sustainable Development
spelt out the importance of domestic resource
Goal (SDG) 6 on access to water by all, the
mobilization and the budget also benefitted
Global Expanded Water Monitoring Initiative
from the Interim Poverty Reduction Strategy
(GEMI) targets as well as the Constitution of
Paper 2016-2018 whose outcome clearly spelt
Zimbabwe.
out the need to increase production across
all sectors of the economy, water included. In 2014 UN agencies and partners working
The writer views percentage national budget under the UN-Water umbrella developed
allocation on water as an expression of the indicators to measure progress towards
level of commitment to the realization of achievement of Goal 6 as well as the roadmap

National Budget
for implementation with relevant monitoring
mechanisms. The initiative is referred to as the
Global Expanded Water Monitoring Initiative.
The indicators developed include proportion
of people with access to safely managed
drinking water services, proportion of people
with access to safely managed sanitation
services, water quality index, water efficiency
index, natural water capital index, integrated
water resource management implementation
index and wetland extent.
The sustainability component

envisaged in SDG 6 demonstrates
approaches to using “portfolio” of
natural water infrastructure to achieve
better outcomes for the multiple goals
of poverty reduction, food water energy
security, biodiversity conservation and
climate resilience. The fact that the
2018 national budget was framed
Condition of Raw Water in Marimba River,
based on the Zimbabwe Agenda for
Harare
Sustainable Socio-Economic
Transformation, a Government of signed the International Covenant on
Zimbabwe economic blueprint that is Economic, Social and Cultural Rights General
aimed mainly at achieving economic Comment 15 which “entitles everyone
vitality means that the context of the to sufficient, safe, acceptable, physically
enhancement and preservation of accessible and affordable water for personal
ecological integrity, social well-being and domestic uses”. Section 301(3) of the
and security in the water sector as Constitution of Zimbabwe clearly states that
envisaged in Sustainable Development “not less than five percent of the national
Goals policy thrust will be neglected. revenues raised in any financial year MUST be
allocated to Provinces and Local Authorities
The Government of Zimbabwe has obligations as their share in that year”. Budget allocation
which are clearly defined in Constitution on potable water provision demonstrates the
Amendment 20. Section 44 states that “the extent to which government is committed to
state and every person, including juristic fulfil its duty and also to achieve progressive
persons, and every institution and agency realisation of the human right to water.
of government at every level must respect, The budget also demonstrates the financial
protect, promote and fulfil the rights and resource commitment of the State to take
freedoms set out” in Chapter 4. Section “reasonable legislative and other measures”
46(c) set the tone for interpretation of bill of which speaks to policy orientation thrust and
rights stating that a court, tribunal, forum or structural reforms.
body “MUST take into account international The 2018 national budget propose to mobilise
law and all treaties and conventions to which US$147.5 million towards water and sanitation
Zimbabwe is a party”. Section 77(a) accords programs, of which US$102.8 million will be
every person the right to safe, clean and from the budget and US$44.7 million comes
potable water. The Government of Zimbabwe from development partners. The allocation

National Budget
to water and sanitation represents 2.5% of diseases such as cholera and typhoid.
the total budget. Although this figure can be
described as a “progressive realisation” and
The policy orientation thrust on water
is more than both 0.4% allocation for the
in Zimbabwe is still anchored on
2017 financial year and the average 1.2% for
Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)
water since independence, it is too little to
at the expense of the component of
cater for challenges faced in the sector.
sustainability that defines Sustainable
Development Goals.
The US$16 million allocated to selected
Local Authorities represented 0.31% of
For Zimbabwe to start moving with times,
the total revenue of US$5 071 billion
the following key drivers need strategic
that government expect to raise in the
positioning:
year 2018. Whilst the Government of
Zimbabwe pegged 70% to 30% ratio on • Prioritization of potable water provision
service delivery and salaries for Local demonstrated through a meaningful and
Authorities, the budget provides for consistent national budget allocation of
US$3.3 billion for employment costs. not less than 5% of total budget for the
financial year in question.
The budget allocation on water presents • The policy orientation thrust on water
serious challenges on the obligation to should make use of the “portfolio” of
fulfil the human right to water in respect natural water infrastructure to achieve
of Section 301(3). This presents challenges better outcomes for the multiple goals of
on spending within budget votes because of poverty reduction, energy, biodiversity
likely water borne and water related archaic conservation and climate resilience.

Wash Connector Newsletter Issue VII 2018

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Inside This Issue...

Handwashing Campaign Fosters Systematic

Reaching out to the Unserved through

Revolutionising Rural Water Supply through

Open Defaecation Free Campaign in Chiredzi

Water and Sanitation Service Delivery in Urban

Mutangi Village: Beyond Open Defaecation

Rushinga District: Taking Community Based

Water Guard: Low Cost Disinfection Option for

Story Behind Harare Typhoid Outbreaks

Experiences on U-Reporting:Mvurwi Town

The Human Right to Water: A Flip through the

DISCLAIMER: Any views or opinions

WASH Connector Newsletter. ISSUE VII • iii

Be Involved meetings, workshops and events

However, the most important question is

WASH Connector Newsletter. ISSUE VII •1

By Sharon Murinda and Richard a sanitation facility continues to be very high;

2 • WASH Connector Newsletter. ISSUE VII

WASH Connector Newsletter. ISSUE VII •3

4 • WASH Connector Newsletter. ISSUE VII

Climate change has indeed managed to show

WASH Connector Newsletter. ISSUE VII •5

Hon. Muchinguri Addressing Stakeholders on Command Water Harvesting

thus requesting for maximum support Water Harvesting Programme” in both

6 • WASH Connector Newsletter. ISSUE VII

Interactions with some local leadership

WASH Connector Newsletter. ISSUE VII •7

Gogo Magasa Nyoni fetching water from the standpipe

DID YOU KNOW?

8 • WASH Connector Newsletter. ISSUE VII

Billboard erected by communities of Ward 20 after attaining ODF status

WASH Connector Newsletter. ISSUE VII •9

As if not enough, the Government of In another ODF Village; Maware,

Portable water tes�ng kits

World over, the provision of water and

WASH Connector Newsletter. ISSUE VII • 11

Rehabilitated infrastructure through partner support

DID YOU KNOW?with

12 • WASH Connector Newsletter. ISSUE VII

By Lovemore Mujuru, Ladislous

“Mutangi” is a Shona word meaning being

As if to depict their level of eloquence in

WASH Connector Newsletter. ISSUE VII • 13

Mutangi Village has thus managed to show

14 • WASH Connector Newsletter. ISSUE VII

One of the rehabilitated boreholes,

After a spate of rehabilitations and trainings in

WASH Connector Newsletter. ISSUE VII • 15

Chirongamabwe nutrition garden

16 • WASH Connector Newsletter. ISSUE VII

Sometimes it is not the natural disaster event

WASH Connector Newsletter. ISSUE VII • 17

18 • WASH Connector Newsletter. ISSUE VII

Water treatment practice: The before and after situation

WASH Connector Newsletter. ISSUE VII • 19

Dilapidated Plumbing System; Matapi Block of Flats, Mbare Harare

20 • WASH Connector Newsletter. ISSUE VII

Harare Typhoid Epi-Curve Up to 13 January 2018