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Prince Sunduzani, Chronicle Reporter
RESIDENTS of Tshabalala and Sizinda suburbs in Bulawayo have gone for six days without water, a development they say is making their lives difficult.

Residents said starting from Tuesday last week, their water taps have been dry.

They said council first issued notices that it would disconnect supplies to those who have not settled their water bills, but subsequently everyone, including those who do not owe council, were affected.

“We had a water cut on Tuesday after those who owe the council received 24 hour notices. The problem is that it’s now affecting everyone including those who have paid their rates.

“The situation is making our lives difficult as we have children on school holiday and we need to use water in the toilets and for other things,” said Mr Lovemore Mzuzi, of Tshabalala.

When The Chronicle news crew visited the two suburbs, residents could be seen carrying water containers in search of water. They said the water cuts came as a surprise as they had gone for a long time without experiencing water problems.

They said they now rely on boreholes for water.

“We were not prepared for the water cuts. It’s almost a week now. What does the city council think we are using? We have many commitments like work and we need water to bath, cook and drink,” said a Sizinda resident who only identified herself as Mrs Mguni.

Residents urged council to rectify the problem as the arbitrary cuts were affecting those who have settled their bills.

“No one explained to us why the water was shut even for some of us who do not owe. You can’t shut water for an entire ward just because a few people have not paid,” said a pastor from Sizinda who declined to be named.

BCC could not immediately comment on the issue yesterday. — @PrinceNkosy102