Zim water woes persist

ZIMBABWE’S dams are critically low as the country endures one of its worst droughts in years.

Authorities in the country are urging citizens to use water sparingly until the next rainy season.

The country received below average rainfall in the 2018/2019 rainy season, due to the El Nino weather phenomenon.

The Zimbabwe National Water Authority (Zinwa), on Monday said the national dam average was now at 59.3 percent, compared to the same period last year when the national dam average was at 79 percent.

“The dam levels in the country have gone down. Currently the national dam average is at 59.3 percent. People are therefore encouraged to use water sparingly until the onset of the next rains. Let us do our best to conserve water,” said the water authority in a statement.

Zinwa could not immediately avail the latest detailed statistics of major water bodies in the country.

Zimbabwe is experiencing water shortages, with some local authorities in urban areas resorting to water rationing to conserve the precious liquid.

Harare, Zimbabwe’s Capital, introduced a water rationing programme in January this year.

The country’s second largest city introduced a 48-hour water rationing programme in May this year, while Gweru, the third largest city, is on a 24-hour water rationing programme since July.

Zimbabwe’s water situation is expected to improve when the 2019/2020 rainfall season starts.