Zimbabwe- Repairs Underway to Maronderas Water System in Response to Deadly Cholera Outbreak

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Medair is working to increase the quantity and improve the reliability of safe drinking water delivered to an estimated 120,000 people, some of whom currently collect water from unprotected shallow communal wells that can contribute to the spread of cholera.In 2008 ? 2009, a deadly cholera outbreak struck in Zimbabwe, affecting 55 out of 62 districts and killing more than 4,000 people. It was one of the largest outbreaks ever documented in sub-Saharan Africa. Unlike previous outbreaks, the 2008 ? 2009 cholera affected major urban areas, which had become vulnerable because of the degraded conditions of their water plants, broken sewers, and uncollected waste. ?Although Marondera was not hit as hard as some other urban areas, cholera was still present here during the outbreak,? said Mr. Philip Walker, Medair Desk Officer for Zimbabwe. ?Thankfully, the Marondera hospital was well-equipped to treat cases early. But given the state of the water system here, we needed to act quickly to make these repairs or else the risk of a future cholera outbreak would remain high.?To increase the quantity of piped, safe drinking water, Medair and local sub-contractors are rehabilitating key infrastructure at the Rufaro pumping station and the Nyambuya raw water pumping and booster stations. The equipment being rehabilitated includes: the pre- and post?chlorinators; flow control valves; flow meters;  the main booster pump station?s three pumps, motors, and valves; the secondary booster pump station?s pump, motor, and valves; and all the major electrical distribution boards and panels. This rehabilitation project is being funded by the European Commission?s Humanitarian Aid department and by private donors. The Marondera Town Council is also contributing to the project from funds received from the Ministry of Finance of Zimbabwe. In 2009, Medair conducted a needs assessment in Zimbabwe and then initiated a country programme here in 2010 to respond to the high level of vulnerability among the population. ?By establishing a presence in Zimbabwe, we have a rare opportunity to meet crucial water needs, particularly in the high-density townships which are ripe for another cholera outbreak,? said Mr. Walker. ?Medair has a proven track record of expertise in the WASH [water, sanitation, and hygiene] sector that ensures a practical and effective response to the current problem.?Since March, Medair staff have been working closely with the local municipality in Marondera, preparing technical documents, and tendering the rehabilitation work to skilled local sub-contractors who will operate under Medair supervision. The entire project is expected to be completed by the end of October.?We plan to get the water flowing in Marondera again by the end of October,? said Mr. Walker. ?But that?s just the first project we have planned in what we expect will be a lengthy engagement here in Zimbabwe, helping to improve living conditions for the most vulnerable people in both the urban and rural areas.? Medair was first present in Zimbabwe from November 2002 until November 2004. The major focus of its programme was nutritional support with a school feeding programme in Gokwe North and Mudzi Districts that fed 90,000 school children per day. For media, please contact Janneke de Kruijf ? Media Officer (En, De, NL). Tel. +41 (078) 63 53 095 Medair?s current project in Marondera, Zimbabwe is funded by European Commission?s Humanitarian Aid department, the Marondera Town Council, and by private donors.Medair began working in Zimbabwe in 2010 in response to the risk of future cholera outbreaks and to the high level of vulnerability among the population. Medair is currently working to increase the quantity of piped, safe drinking water in Marondera, a city of 120,000 people, located one hour?s drive from the capital city of Harare. This Press Release was produced with resources gathered by Medair field and headquarters staff. The views expressed herein are those solely of Medair and should not be taken, in any way, to reflect the official opinion of any other organisation.> Donate Now. Click Here> More information about Medair's activities in Zimbabwe. Read More