National

‘We have no infrastructure’, Victoria Falls City Council speaks on water shortages

Published

3 years ago

October 31, 2022

BY STAFF WRITER

Victoria Falls City Council has blamed the perennial water shortages, especially in summer, on inadequate infrastructure.

Some residential areas have gone for over two months without reliable water supply.

Usually, council struggles to supply sufficient water between August and December due to depleting water levels on the Zambezi River, which makes pumping difficult.

Mkhosana suburb endures dry taps on a daily basis because pumping is direct from the treatment plant to houses while in other high density suburbs such as Mfelandawonye and Chinotimba, water is only available at night because the section of the suburb is on higher ground.

Town clerk Ronnie Dube told VicFallsLive that due to obsolete infrastructure and lack of funds to purchase the new ones, the city was unable to provide smooth service delivery.

“I think people should understand the issue of water because this has been an ongoing problem, not because Dube is the town clerk,” Dube said.

“It’s a legacy issue where I find that the town has been growing without corresponding infrastructure and development.

“The council in 2014 came up with a feasibility study for a water and sanitation project, which was valued at US$14 million and from 2014 to date, we have failed to raise money to do that project until this year where we disposed of some piece of land for about US$4 million.

“We are already in the process of tendering. So by the end of this month we would have flighted a tender from Mkhosana water reservoirs and we hope that those reservoirs will now help with supplying water in those low lying area of Mkhosana.”

He revealed that the crisis has also received the attention of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, prompting him to make a pledge to ensure the government to provide US$6 million.

The money has not been disbursed.

“The money that we are using in this work was raised internally,” Dube said.

“The council is trying to use whatever is at its disposal to try and solve the dilemma that they find themselves in.

”When the president of Zimbabwe came to Victoria Falls he promised to helps us with US$6 million for the river pump station and for our water works, but that money is still pending.

“It hasn’t been given to us or neither has there been any contractor assigned to do that work.”

Dube pleaded with residents from low density areas to be considerate of those who live in high density areas as they fill their jojo tanks for the purposes of gardening.

“People should use water sparingly during this time of the year where water levels in the river are low and water consumption is too high,” he added.

“People use portable water for both their gardens and for consumption, so we ask people to stop the issue of using horse pipes and the issue of filling water in large containers like jojo tanks so that water is shared by many people.

“Imagine if someone has a 10 000 litre jojo tank and he or she fills that tank before someone in Mkhosana gets water.

“The problem needs to be managed and the residents should also take responsibility and everyone else in the city should also take responsibility until this matter is resolved.”

National

Chidzivo, Waison take top honors at Vic Falls Marathon

Published

3 weeks ago

July 7, 2025

VicFallsLive

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.

National

Coal train in flames: NRZ locomotive damaged in fire incident

Published

3 months ago

April 16, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY WANDILE TSHUMA

A National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) locomotive suffered significant damage after catching fire while transporting export coal to Zambi. The incident occurred between Kalala and Matetsi sidings, resulting in the explosion of the locomotive’s fuel tanks.

According to the NRZ press statement on Monday, “A National Railways of Zimbabwe locomotive suffered some damages after it caught fire this afternoon while transporting export coal to Zambia.” Fortunately, the crew members on board managed to escape unharmed.

The NRZ responded swiftly to the incident, dispatching a rescue train with crews to the site. The team successfully extinguished the fire, preventing further damage. However, the locomotive itself sustained considerable damage.

The cause of the fire is yet to be determined, with investigations currently underway. “Investigations are already underway to establish the cause of the fire and the amount of damage to the locomotive,” the NRZ statement read.

National

Ranger killed by elephant in Kariba

Published

4 months ago

March 14, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

A 62-year-old ranger, Josphat Mandishara, was tragically killed by an elephant in Kariba yesterday.

Mandishara, who worked for the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks), was on patrol in the Gatche-gatche area with fellow rangers and police officers.

At around 10 pm, Mandishara returned to the harbor where their boat was docked, and that’s when he encountered the elephant. The elephant charged at him, causing fatal injuries. His colleagues were nearby, resupplying at the Gatche-gatche Irrigation Scheme.

Mandishara’s body was taken to Kariba District Hospital for a post-mortem, and the incident was reported to the police.

ZimParks has sent a team to manage the problem elephant and prevent similar incidents in the future.

The Director General of ZimParks, Prof. Edson Gandiwa, and his team have sent condolences to Mandishara’s family, friends, and colleagues. Mandishara will be remembered for his dedication to wildlife conservation in Zimbabwe.