US$5 million project ends Victoria Falls water woes

 Government yesterday commissioned a US$5 million water reservoir project and two refuse collection trucks in Victoria Falls, ending years of water shortages that have plagued the resort city’s Mkhosana suburb.

The project, delivered by the City of Victoria Falls using internal resources, comprises a 5-megalitres ground reservoir and a 750-kilolitre elevated tank, alongside 12 kilometres of new pipelines, upgraded pump stations at Aerodrome, and new fire hydrants.

Officiating at the commissioning event, the Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Daniel Garwe, said the upgraded infrastructure would guarantee reliable water access for 25 000 residents.

“These reservoirs will ensure improved reliability and sustainable access to safe water for an estimated population of about 25 000 residents who, for long, had endured persistent water shortages due to inadequate storage capacity and rapid population growth,” said the minister.

The reservoirs form the first phase of the city’s broader US$18 million multi-phase Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) programme.

The shift to a gravity-fed system means consistent water pressure across Mkhosana, ending the distress of direct pumping systems that failed during power outages. Residents who spoke to Zimpapers confirmed the transformation.

“For years, we woke up before dawn to fetch water. Now the taps run day and night. It feels like we are finally living in a real city,” said Mrs Nomsa Ndlovu from Mkhosana.
Another resident, Mr Tendai Sibanda, said the project had brought dignity back to the community.

“We used to go for days without water. You could not plan your day. Now we have an adequate supply, and we are grateful to the council and Government for listening to our cries,” he said.

Minister Garwe said the investment aligns with the National Development Strategy (NDS2) and President Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030 of an empowered upper-middle-income economy.

“It’s our desire that all local authorities across the country emulate such efforts. I want to assert that Victoria Falls yakhiwa ngabahlali bayo,” he said.

Alongside the water infrastructure, the city commissioned two refuse trucks, a 15-cubic-metre unit procured by council and an 18-cubic-metre unit donated by African Sun Limited as part of its corporate social responsibility.

“This gesture is a shining example of the sound partnerships that can be forged between local authorities and the private sector for the benefit of our communities,” Minister Garwe said.

Victoria Falls Town Clerk Mr Ronnie Dube said the project had catapulted the city above national minimum service delivery standards.

“We have achieved 100 percent water coverage, which is above the 2026 target of 90 percent. For too long, the residents of our beloved city, particularly here in Mkhosana, have endured the heavy burden of water scarcity. Today, we turn that page,” said Mr Dube.

He said the city had also partnered with Eagle Heights, whose purchase of a stand directly funded the reservoirs.

The reservoirs now serve 3,696 households in Mkhosana, with capacity to support future growth as the tourism hub continues to expand.

Council has indicated it requires timely devolution fund support to sustain momentum on remaining projects, including road tarring, storm drains, and construction of Mosi 2 High School.

Source: US$5 million project ends Victoria Falls water woes (07/05/2026)