Gwanda Residents Demand Action on Sewage, Water Crises, and Lack of Streetlights

On May 29th, residents of Gwanda gathered for a meeting organized by the Gwanda
Women Leaders Sounding Board to address pressing issues affecting their
community. These issues included a persistent sewage crisis, water shortages, and a
lack of streetlights.

The WLSB Chairperson Alice Masawi facilitated the discussion starting with the top
concern on the sewage crisis in ward 9. The Municipality’s recent intervention left a
gaping hole, creating a breeding ground for mosquitoes and a health hazard due to
residents catching and selling sewage. Residents demanded the Municipality take
immediate action to fill the hole and properly manage sewage disposal.

The water crisis in Gwanda, which had been worsening for weeks, was another
major point of discussion. While some areas received water, others went dry for over
two weeks. Residents with access to functioning public boreholes were
overwhelmed, further straining the community. Frustrated by the lack of progress,
residents demanded the Municipality prioritize resolving the water crisis.
The meeting also addressed the lack of streetlights in Gwanda, which residents
believe has contributed to a rise in crime. The Municipality’s unfulfilled promise to
install streetlights has left residents feeling unsafe and demanding action.
Residents also expressed concerns about road grading during the dry season, which
has caused excessive dust, and the perceived unfairness and lack of transparency in
the Municipality’s water billing system.

Following discussions, the group formulated a list of recommendations for the
Municipality. These included immediate intervention in the sewage crisis,
prioritizing solutions to the water shortage, fulfilling the promise to install
streetlights, reviewing the road grading schedule to minimize dust, and revising the
water billing system for fairness and transparency. An action plan was also established, which involves providing progress reports on the implementation of these recommendations and keeping residents informed of any developments.

The meeting concluded with closing remarks from WLSB vice chairperson
Lobukhosi Malila, who thanked everyone for their participation and urged
continued collaboration to find solutions. He emphasized the importance of holding
leaders accountable and working together to build a better future for Gwanda.