Water availability challenges in low-income area of Budiriro, southwest of Harare, Zimbabwe
- Author
- Kamwendo, Ruvarashe
- Title
- Water availability challenges in low-income area of Budiriro, southwest of Harare, Zimbabwe
- Abstract
- This study examined that water availability challenges and poor water quality remain a significant challenge in low-income urban area of Budiriro, a suburb in southwest Harare, Zimbabwe. Budiriro faces severe water shortages, forcing residents to rely on unsafe alternatives exacerbating health risks and socio-economic hardships. While existing literature highlights urban water crises in Zimbabwe, gaps persist in understanding localized survival strategies, environmental contamination drivers and sustainable interventions tailored to low-income communities. This study adopts a mixed-methods approach, combining household questionnaires, focus group discussions and key informant interviews, coping mechanisms and contamination risks in Budiriro. Findings reveal that most households in Budiriro experience erratic water supply, relying on unsafe wells, contaminated boreholes or expensive water vendors. Women and children bear the burden of water collection, sacrificing time for education and livelihoods. Environmental degradation through sewage overflows, poor waste management further pollutes scarce water sources. Despite these challenges, grassroots strategies like rainwater harvesting and private boreholes and wells provide temporary relief, though they remain unsustainable without institutional support. The study concludes that addressing Budiriro`s water crisis requires multi-level interventions: which include, rehabilitating infrastructure, enforcing environmental regulations as well as promoting affordable community led solutions. Policy makers must prioritize equitable water access by integrating local voices into urban planning. By bridging the gap between research and practice, this study contributes to broader dialogues on achieving water security in Zimbabwe`s marginalized settlements, emphasizing urgency to protect public health and livelihoods.
- Date
- June 2025
- Publisher
- BUSE
- Keywords
- Water shortages
- Supervisor
- Doc J. Bowora
- Item sets
- Department of Sustainable Development
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