National
Hwange residents endure 12 years without running water
BY NOTHANDO DUBE
Residents at a Hwange suburb have gone for more than 12 years without running water and must travel more than two kilometres to fetch the precious liquid.
Railton residents, including young children, endure the agony of travelling over two kilometres everyday to fetch water from suburbs such as Middleburg.
On their way to fetch water, some, especially women and children have been robbed of their gadgets such as cell phones while several of them have also broken their water buckets while trying to climb the hill with the water buckets on their heads.
This publication interviewed several Railton residents who described the last 12 years living in the area as a nightmare.
Some said they do as much as eight round trips to fetch water on a normal day. They said the local authority blames their predicament on the old piping system in the suburb.
At the height of Covid -19 pandemic, the Hwange Local Board tried to make some repairs but few months later the taps ran dry again.
“We are suffering and neglected in this area, and this is close to 15 years now without running water in this house,” said a 57-year-old widow.
“What surprises me is that at the start of Covid-19 water was restored for about three months and was available around the area.
“We then started having water once a week, but now there is totally nothing.
“Many of us here are widows and old aged yet we are expected to fetch water several times a day.
“It’s really hard because I have even broken six of My buckets trying to climb the steep rocky place back to my house.”
The residents said they feared disease outbreaks as the suburb had communal toilets and bathrooms.
They said Covid-19 prevention protocols such as social distancing was hard to observe at such places.
“We have had a diarrhoea outbreak at some point, and it has really been a nightmare,” said a resident who requested anonymity.
Some able-bodied residents are, however, capitalising on the water and charging US$ 1 to for two buckets of water.
At the Middleburg water point residents can only access the commodity between 5pm and 7pm as wells as 5am and 6 am.
A Hwange Residents Association committee member only identified as Rundofa said a lasting solution was needed for the Railton water crisis.
“The pipes are old and rotten,” Rundofa said. “We have tried to organise ourselves as the community to repair them and the local authority will be involved.”
BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI
Blessing Waison and Fortunate Chidzivo took top honors at the 2025 Econet Victoria Falls Marathon yesterday, as Zimbabwean long-distance runners excelled at Africa’s most prestigious road race.
Econet General Manager – Marketing, Mrs Tariro Muchena (left), and Finance Director, Mr Chengeto Moyo, present the winner’s prize to men’s marathon champion, Blessing Waison, at the 2025 Econet Victoria Falls Marathon, while Victoria Falls Mayor, Mr Prince Moyo, looks on
The event, which featured athletes from over 40 countries, saw Waison storm to victory in the men’s full marathon, clocking 2 hours, 13 minutes, and 16 seconds. He narrowly beat decorated Olympian Isaac Mpofu in a thrilling duel that brought thousands of spectators to their feet.
Godwin Katakura followed closely in third, completing an all-Zimbabwean podium sweep in the 42.2km race. The trio’s success came with bigger rewards this year, after Econet Wireless doubled the total prize purse to $50,000.
Waison walked away with $3,000, while Mpofu and Katakura earned $2,000 and $1,500, respectively.
In the women’s marathon, Chidzivo delivered a commanding performance, clocking 2 hours and 42 minutes to claim another major title in her illustrious career. Ethel Pangiso and Phillipa Dube completed the women’s podium in second and third place, respectively.
Rising star Wayne Kabondo turned heads in the men’s 21km half marathon, overcoming a formidable field to finish in 1 hour, 3 minutes, and 44 seconds. Kabondo pocketed $1,500 for his efforts.
In the women’s 21km race, Caroline Mhandu crossed the line in 1 hour, 17 minutes, and 50 seconds, ahead of Miriam Sibanda and Melody Kaseke.
The marathon’s inclusive spirit was evident in the 18km Specially Abled Races, which saw uplifting performances across different categories. Godknows Hamadziripi claimed the men’s tricycle title, while Samson Muroyiwa won the handcycle event.
Among the women, Stella Jongwe triumphed in the handcycle race, and Ratidzo Tomu took first position in the tricycle category.
Organized by Econet Wireless in partnership with Wild Horizons, the 2025 edition drew over 5,000 participants and spectators from more than 40 countries. The marathon route, widely regarded as Africa’s most scenic, winds through game reserves and offers spectacular views of the Zambezi River and Victoria Falls.
https://x.com/vic_falls_live/status/1941861569450725776?s=46
Beyond the races, this year’s event featured live music, traditional dance, health expos, and community wellness activities.
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