Mashonaland West Province faces both infrastructure development and environmental challenges in its water and waste management systems. While progress is being made through devolution-funded projects, pollution and aging infrastructure remain pressing concerns.
đźš° Water Infrastructure
- Urban Water Supply: Towns like Chinhoyi, Karoi, and Kariba rely on municipal water systems, often strained by population growth and aging infrastructure. Karoi’s surface water quality generally meets WHO standards, but periodic contamination from runoff and effluent has been reported.
- Rural Access: Boreholes and protected wells are the primary sources of water in rural districts such as Hurungwe and Makonde. Devolution funds have supported the drilling of new boreholes and rehabilitation of existing ones to improve access.
- Major Dams and Water Bodies:
- Kariba Dam: Supports hydroelectric power and water supply for Kariba town.
- Biri Dam (Chinhoyi), Karoi Dam, and Magunje Dam are key reservoirs but have faced pollution threats.
🗑️ Waste Management and Sanitation
- Sewage Infrastructure: Urban centers have sewer systems, but many are outdated or overloaded. Inadequate treatment leads to raw sewage discharge into rivers and dams, especially during power outages or pipe bursts.
- Solid Waste: Local authorities manage waste collection, but illegal dumping and poor landfill management are common. Chinhoyi and Kariba have struggled with waste segregation and recycling initiatives.
- Industrial and Agricultural Pollution: A 2025 report highlighted contamination of five major water bodies—including Hunyani River, Karoi Dam, and Lake Kariba—due to industrial effluent and sewage. This poses risks to human health, livestock, and aquatic ecosystems.
🛠️ Recent Developments
- Devolution Projects: In 2023, over 100 infrastructure projects were implemented in the province, many targeting water reticulation, borehole drilling, and sanitation improvements in schools and clinics.
- Environmental Oversight: The Environmental Management Agency (EMA) monitors pollution and enforces compliance. However, unplanned developments and weak enforcement have strained wetland protection and water quality.
🔍 Strategic Outlook
Improving water and waste infrastructure in Mashonaland West is critical for:
- Public health and disease prevention
- Climate resilience and wetland protection
- Sustainable tourism and agriculture
- Alignment with Vision 2030 and NDS1 goals