Women implore Councils to improve on access to clean water
YOUNG women have implored Councils to avail running water as means of restoring their dignity which was lost since the day, they started sourcing water from alternative points.
Speaking during a Water Indaba organized by Women’s Institute of Leadership Development (WILD), young women described perennial water challenges Bulawayo and surrounding areas as a constant reminder of a crisis they must face during their monthly menses.
“Water is really a big crisis in our community, as we have a few boreholes located far from where we stay. We are forced to drink water from a nearby river and when it dries up you have to walk about 3km to the nearest borehole,” said Sanele Mathobela from Pumula East suburb.
“The water situation has taken away all our happiness and is the main source of discord in both our homes and communities. We are even experiencing domestic violence which is fueled by constant water shortages,” said Mitchelle Dlodlo.
Contacted for comment, Bulawayo City Council Corporate Communications Manager, Nesisa Mpofu said Bulawayo’s challenges were due to lack of raw water.
“Raw water provision is the responsibility of the Zimbabwe National Water Authority. You may wish to check with them on the budget provisions for providing adequate raw water or the City of Bulawayo. We are aware that they have started working on the long-term solution which is the Gwayi/ Shangani Dam,” she said.
Sukoluhle Mhlanga added that alternative water sources are not friendly to young women with disabilities.
“Normally the points are always congested making it difficult for PWDs to access them. I think responsible authorities should engage PWDs so that we share the suitable models that suit us as the fraternity,” said Mhlanga.
The World Health Organisation states that each person needs 20 to 50 litres of water free of contaminants a day for drinking and hygiene.
In her presentation, WILD program officer Portia Madzivire said safe drinking water, sanitation and good hygiene are fundamental to health, survival, growth and development of any community.
“The lack of improved water supply and sanitation therefore severely impacts the human capabilities of all Zimbabweans, because, without clean water and proper sanitation, human beings are more prone to contracting illnesses, and therefore suffer greater rates of morbidity and mortality due to these illnesses,” she said.
“Women experience hormonal fluctuations as well as bloating during menstruation and this has an impact on the digestive system and causes constipation, gas, and bloating. Drinking at least 9 to 10 glasses of water a day during your period is said to help in fighting the bloating as it flushes waste out of your system.
Madzivire added that women require more water during menses hence a crisis worsens their unending challenges.