Community Water Alliance

22/03/2026

WORLD WATER DAY STATEMENT – COMMUNITY WATER ALLIANCE (CWA)

22/03/2026

As we commemorate World Water Day 2026, under the theme “Water and Gender” “Where Water Flows, Equality Grows" Community Water Alliance calls for urgent, bold and practical action to address Harare’s ongoing water crisis, while recognizing the disproportionate burden that water challenges place on women and girls.

Across many communities, women and girls spend hours each day searching for water, often exposing themselves to safety risks and limiting opportunities for education, livelihoods, and personal development. Improving access to safe, reliable water is therefore not only a service delivery issue, but it is a matter of equality, dignity and empowerment.

Harare has the infrastructure with the capacity to produce 704 megalitres of water per day while the daily demand of 1,200 megalitres per day is required. Due to pollution, inefficiencies and poor investment priorities, the city is currently producing almost half of its capacity. Even more concerning, 60% of this treated being produced water is lost as Non-Revenue Water, meaning it never reaches households or contributes to sustaining the system.

From our work across Harare, Epworth, Ruwa and Chitungwiza ranging from emergency WASH responses to community hygiene education and water governance advocacy, we have seen that the crisis is not only about supply, but about how water is managed, protected and financed.

The ongoing USD400 million water investment loan presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform water access. However, current priorities particularly the heavy focus on prepaid water meters risk missing the real issues affecting water availability and gender equality outcomes.

We therefore call for a strategic shift in focus towards three key priorities:

1) Fixing water losses (40%)
A significant portion of treated water is lost through burst pipes and leakages. Investing in the broader rehabilitation of the 5,000km water distribution network will immediately increase water reaching households, reducing the burden on women and girls.

2) Restoring sewer treatment systems
Over 80% of water pollution is linked to failing sewer infrastructure. Rehabilitating sewer treatment plants will reduce contamination of key water sources like Lake Chivero, lower treatment costs and improve overall water supply.

3) Ring-fencing water account:
Water is the backbone of the City’s revenue. Ensuring that all water income is reinvested into water and sanitation services is critical for long-term sustainability and improved service delivery.

Communities are ready to play their part. However, they need a system that is fair, transparent and delivers reliable water. Without addressing leakages, pollution, and financial management, investments will not yield the desired results.

Every drop of water lost is a missed opportunity for a household, a school, a clinic and especially for women and girls whose daily lives are most affected by water insecurity.

On this World Water Day, we urge Government, policymakers and the City of Harare to prioritize solutions that increase actual water reaching people not just infrastructure that looks good on paper whilst benefitting a few individuals.

Where water flows, equality grows.



COMMUNITY WATER ALLIANCE INFORMATION DEPARTMENT

22/03/2026

12/03/2026

10/03/2026

In a forward-looking effort to strengthen communication between residents and local authorities, Community Water Alliance (CWA) is set to convene a community dialogue meeting on the emerging issue of pre-paid water meters.
The meeting is expected to bring together 50 participants drawn from diverse backgrounds, persuasions and interests, including residents, civic actors, community leaders and representatives of local government. The dialogue aims to create a constructive platform where the council and residents can openly engage on the introduction of pre-paid water meters, a concept that is still relatively new and not yet fully understood within local governance systems.
Across several communities in Harare, concerns have begun to emerge regarding the possible implications of pre-paid water meters, including questions around affordability, access to water for vulnerable households and the broader impact on service delivery. At the same time, local authorities are still navigating the operational and policy dimensions of the system, which has created uncertainty among residents.
It is against this background that CWA seeks to facilitate a neutral and inclusive space for dialogue, allowing both the council and community members to exchange views, clarify issues and explore practical solutions.
During the meeting, councillors and council bureaucrats will deliver presentations outlining the concept of pre-paid water meters, the rationale behind their introduction and how they may affect residents. These presentations will be followed by open dialogue sessions, giving residents an opportunity to raise concerns, seek clarification and contribute their perspectives.

05/03/2026

375 HOUSEHOLDS RECEIVED NON-FOOD ITEMS, DIGNITY KITS AND STATIONARY IN RUWA

05/03/2026

Today, Community Water Alliance distributed essential Non-Food Items (NFIs) in Ruwa Timire and Solomio suburbs, targeting families affected by the recent flash floods that occurred within Ruwa community.

A total of 375 households received critical supplies to support safe water access and hygiene practices. Over 20 of the households included people living with disabilities who were also catered for in the distribution .The distributed items include 20-litre buckets with taps, bars of multipurpose soap and Water Guard for household water treatment

In addition to that, 20 women and girls were given dignity kits which are designed to help them maintain their health, hygiene and sense of self-worth during the crisis. However, school children from the affected households were also given stationery which include books, pens, pencils, rulers and crayons for the ECD learners.

This intervention is part of ongoing efforts to reduce the risk of waterborne diseases following flooding and to help families protect their health and dignity during this challenging time.

CWA in partnership with Oxfam , Start Network and local authorities within Harare Metropolitan Province remain committed to strengthening community resilience and ensuring access to safe water and improved hygiene for all.










COMMUNITY WATER ALLIANCE INFORMATION DEPARTMENT

27/02/2026

375 HOUSEHOLDS RECEIVED NON-FOOD ITEMS IN KUWADZANA

27/02/2026

Today, Community Water Alliance distributed essential Non-Food Items (NFIs) at Kuwadzana Polyclinic targeting families affected by the recent flash floods in the Kuwadzana community, particularly the Paddock area.

A total of 375 households received critical supplies to support safe water access and hygiene practices. The distributed items include 20-litre buckets with taps, bars of multipurpose soap and Water Guard for household water treatment

This intervention is part of our ongoing efforts to reduce the risk of waterborne diseases following flooding and to help families protect their health and dignity during this challenging time.

We remain committed to strengthening community resilience and ensuring access to safe water and improved hygiene for all.






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COMMUNITY WATER ALLIANCE INFORMATION DEPARTMENT

27/02/2026

Today CWA Household Water Treatment and Safe Storage mobile roadshow was in Chitungwiza.

The event was graced by officials from the Ministry of youth, Ministry of Health, Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) and Environmental Health Promoters for Chitungwiza.

26/02/2026

RUWA & GLEN VIEW ROADSHOWS: FLASH FLOODS RESPONSE

26/02/2026

Over the past two days, the Community Water Alliance has conducted intensive roadshows in Ruwa and Glen View, focusing on communities that have been recently impacted by flash floods.

The Roadshows were carried out in collaboration with the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), the City of Harare and Ruwa Local Board. These efforts are central to our ongoing mission to safeguard public health and strengthen community resilience in the face of environmental and health challenges. Glenview is known as a cholera hotspot due to perennial sewer bursts and its proximity to Firle sewer treatment plant.

The Waterborne Diseases Outbreak Anticipatory Action and Response program, which is being implemented by CWA in partnership with Oxfam supported by Start Network, is mainly focusing on raising awareness on:
- household water treatment and safe storage
- Handwashing and hygiene promotion
- Prevention of cholera, typhoid, and other waterborne diseases
- Safety measures following flash flood events.

Flash floods significantly heightens the risk of water source contamination, which can lead to rapid outbreaks of diarrheal diseases. Through direct community engagement and practical demonstrations, we are equipping families across the areas with the essential knowledge needed to treat their water and protect their livelihoods and families.

We extend our sincere appreciation to the residents of Ruwa and Glen View for their active participation and to the ZRP, the The City of Harare , and the Ruwa Local Board for their steadfast support.

Together, we are preventing outbreaks and building healthier, safer communities.









COMMUNITY WATER ALLIANCE INFORMATION DEPARTMENT

23/02/2026

KUWADZANA ROADSHOW – FLASH FLOODS RESPONSE

23/02/2026

Today, Community Water Alliance conducted a roadshow in Kuwadzana (Paddock area), one of the communities recently affected by flash flooding.

The awareness campaign was carried out with support of the Zimbabwe Republic Police ( ZRP Police ) and The City of Harare as part of ongoing efforts to protect public health and strengthen community resilience.
Under the Waterborne Diseases Outbreak Anticipatory Action and Response program being implemented by Community Water Alliance in partnership with Oxfam with financial support from Start Network,
The roadshow focused on:

•Household water treatment and safe storage,

•Handwashing and hygiene promotion

•Prevention of cholera and other waterborne diseases

•Safety measures following flash floods.

Flash floods increase the risk of water contamination, which can lead to cholera, typhoid, and other diarrhoeal diseases.

Through community engagement, education, and demonstrations, we are equipping families with practical knowledge to keep their water safe and protect their health.

We appreciate the cooperation of residents in Kuwadzana and the continued support from the Zimbabwe Republic Police and the City of Harare. Together, we can prevent outbreaks and build healthier, safer communities.









COMMUNITY WATER ALLIANCE INFORMATION DEPARTMENT

22/02/2026

During our door to door engagements, we met Greatman the musician.

We were reminded on the need to ensure that our Household Water Treatment and Safe Storage facilities, technologies and services should be friendly to Persons with Disabilities.

Technology is an enabler for Household Water Treatment and Safe Storage. However it should be user-friendly, catering for different needs in society and different vulnerabilities that people face. The encounter with Greatman reminded us of the importance of inclusivity and tailor making interventions informed by realities that people have different abilities.

Embassy of the Netherlands in Zimbabwe Oxfam , United Nations Development Programme - UNDP

19/02/2026

EMERGENCY DOOR-TO-DOOR HYGIENE PROMOTION UPDATE

Following recent flash floods and the heightened risk of cholera and other diarrheal diseases, Community Water Alliance, , Ministry of Local Government and local authorities are implementing door-to-door hygiene promotion in Epworth, Ruwa, and Chitungwiza

In Epworth, some households were destroyed by flooding, and many families are now relying on shallow wells, increasing the risk of water contamination.

Across the three areas,
over 700 households and individuals were reached through door-to-door awareness.

80 trained volunteers have been deployed to deliver key messages on cholera prevention, handwashing, safe water treatment, and food hygiene.

Supervision, refresher sessions, and standardized introductions strengthened to improve professionalism, ethical compliance, and community trust.

Despite logistical and community-level challenges, the programme is progressing well, with strong volunteer commitment and positive community engagement.

Together, we are working to prevent waterborne disease outbreaks and protect vulnerable communities during this critical period. The initiative is being conducted in partnership with The City of Harare , Oxfam and Start Network. We also acknowledge and appreciate the support from Chitungwiza Municipality as well as Ruwa and Epworth Local Boards.

14/02/2026

80 COMMUNITY HEALTH VOLUNTEERS MOBILISED TO SAFEGUARD FAMILIES FROM WATERBORNE DISEASES

Following the recent flash floods across Harare Metropolitan Province, Community Water Alliance (CWA), in partnership with Oxfam , the Start Network and The City of Harare City of Harare has stepped up emergency WASH response efforts in Ruwa, Epworth and Chitungwiza.

Through an intensive, practical training program, 80 women and youth community health volunteers were equipped not just with knowledge but with the confidence and tools to become frontline defenders of public health. After a training held in Kuwadzana on Wednesday this week, 3 more trainings with 20 volunteers each were conducted starting with Ruwa on Thursday, while trainings for Chitungwiza and Epworth were conducted concurrently on Friday. The trainings covered household water treatment methods, safe water storage practices, effective handwashing techniques, and basic germ theory, helping volunteers understand how contamination spreads and how it can be prevented at household level.

What makes this intervention impactful is its community-led approach. These trained volunteers are now taking action, rolling out door-to-door awareness campaigns in flood-affected neighborhoods to ensure no household is left behind during this high-risk period.

To reinforce behavior change with practical support, CWA is also distributing hygiene kits (non-food items) to 375 households in each targeted area, while community roadshows shall be conducted to widen access to lifesaving WASH information.

This lifesaving intervention forms part of the Waterborne Diseases Outbreak Anticipatory Action and Response Program for Harare Metropolitan, aimed at reducing the risk of cholera and other waterborne diseases during emergencies.

Together, we are turning knowledge into protection and communities into the first line of defense.






COMMUNITY WATER ALLIANCE INFORMATION DEPARTMENT