Water insecurity in high density suburbs. A Case study of Rimuka, Kadoma city

Author

Shoko, Amanda

Title

Water insecurity in high density suburbs. A Case study of Rimuka, Kadoma city

Abstract

Water insecurity is a major challenge in many metropolitans globally, including Rimuka suburb of Kadoma City Zimbabwe. This thesis identifies the unique issues that inhabitants of the Rimuka area experience in terms of access to clean and dependable water sources. The aim of this study was to assess the water security situation in Rimuka high density suburb in Kadoma. Alternative solutions like rainwater harvesting and water conservation strategies are underexplored which is the gap in literature in which this study will address. Rimuka the high-density suburb of Kadoma which is characterised by over crowdedness, poor waste management, poor raw sewer disposal, few safe water sources, high unemployment rate of youths, and high drug abuse cases. The population target of the research included both male and female residents of Rimuka and workers from ZINWA and Kadoma Council to make 30 participants. The study adopted purposive sampling and random sampling for reliable data. The study adopted key informant interviews, participant interviews, and questionnaire survey. A pilot study was undertaken initially to assess the effectiveness of the tools of choice. Data was analysed using thematic content analysis and statistical package for social sciences which help interpret results in visuals like graphs. The results show that population growth is the most cause of water insecurity carrying 30% of the proportion with inadequate infrastructure being the least cause of water insecurity in Rimuka with 10%. Water insecurity drives communities to consume water from unsafe and unprotected sources which directly can lead to waterborne diseases like cholera resulting in loss of life in most cases. Sustainable solutions may be devised to improve Rimuka suburb's resistance to future water crises by addressing structural flaws and socioeconomic variables as well as invest in climate action that contribute to water insecurity such as water conservation and rainwater harvesting. The study recommends that water supply institution, risk reduction sectors, and development institutions collaborate and take a holistic approach in reducing water insecurity and its impacts to communities, as well as aware, emphasize and encourage communities of sustainable alternatives such as rainwater harvesting and other water conservation methods to reduce their risk to water insecurity.

Date

May 2024

Publisher

BUSE

Keywords

Water Insecurity,

High Density Suburbs,

Rimuka, Kadoma City.

Supervisor

Mr. Pedzisai,