Enhancing public health through improved access to safe drinking water and reduce cholera outbreaks: a case study of borehole accessibility and cholera outbreaks in Mvurwi, Phase 1, Zimbabwe

Author
Gutu, Ruvimbo R.
Title
Enhancing public health through improved access to safe drinking water and reduce cholera outbreaks: a case study of borehole accessibility and cholera outbreaks in Mvurwi, Phase 1, Zimbabwe
Abstract
Access to safe drinking water is a critical component of public health and sustainable development, particularly in regions susceptible to waterborne diseases such as cholera. This study investigates the relationship between borehole accessibility and the prevalence of cholera outbreaks in Mvurwi, Phase 1, Zimbabwe. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research combined household surveys (n=90), key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and secondary data to assess water source usage, community perceptions of water quality, and the effectiveness of local water management strategies.
Findings reveal that while 63% of households primarily rely on borehole water, significant challenges remain regarding equitable access, maintenance, and community trust in water management structures. Alternative sources included Piped water (Municipal), River/Stream, Well (Protected), Well (Unprotected) and Rainwater Harvesting, of which 37% of households reportedly use. Households using alternative water sources such as rivers or unprotected wells reported a higher incidence of diarrheal diseases and suspected cholera cases. Furthermore, the study identifies a clear correlation between well-maintained boreholes, active community management, and improved health outcomes.
The results underscore the importance of not only expanding borehole infrastructure but also ensuring consistent maintenance, effective community-based management, and water quality monitoring. Recommendations include enhancing training for Borehole Water Management Committees (BWMCs), improving transparency in community contributions, and increasing policy support for rural water systems. This case study provides valuable insights for public health policymakers, development practitioners, and local authorities seeking to reduce cholera outbreaks through improved water infrastructure in semi-urban Zimbabwean communities.
Date
June 2025
Publisher
BUSE
Keywords
Sustainable development
Cholera outbreaks
Supervisor
Dr E. Siziba
Item sets
Department of Sustainable Development
Media
Ruvimbo R Gutu - DS.pdf

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