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Leonorah Ncube in Victoria Falls

THE City of Victoria Falls will this Monday meet residents of Mkhosana suburb’s BD46 section as the local authority plans to connect the sewer system in the area.

BD46 has been without a proper sewer system since its inception about two decades ago, and residents have been using septic tanks and honey suckers.

Residents have raised concerns about their situation over the years, especially during budget consultation meetings.

In a statement, Victoria Falls City Town Clerk Mr Ronnie Dube said the agenda would focus on sanitation issues, particularly sewer connections.

“The City of Victoria Falls would like to invite all BD46 residents to a meeting to discuss sewer connections,” he said.

Since the inception of the suburb, residents have relied on septic tanks, while others use the nearby bush despite the presence of wildlife, contributing to high open defecation rates in the city. Sometimes, septic tanks overflow during the rainy season, posing a health hazard for residents.

The meeting has been welcomed by residents as a major step toward addressing these challenges. Mr Khumbulani Mpofu, one of the residents, said there is hope for proper water, sanitation, and hygiene.

“People paid for servicing and were disappointed that nothing has happened, considering the time we have stayed in BD46 without sewerage and with parts of the road unserviced. However, we are excited and joyful that something is finally coming up,” Mr Mpofu said.

Another resident, Ms Simangaliso Tshuma, said the meeting shows the local authority’s regard for residents.

“This is an opportunity for us to air our views and concerns. We don’t feel comfortable without a sewer system in the area. We are hoping this meeting will finally bring about a solution for BD46,” she said.

A church leader who preferred to remain anonymous narrated how their church had struggled with a shortage of water since the year 2000.

“The church was established in 2000, and we relied on temporary Blair toilets until 2005. Since then, we have been using a septic tank system. You can imagine the challenges this has posed for people, as it is hazardous for a church not to have a proper sewer system. We really look forward to the meeting called by the council, and we hope that it’s not just a meeting but one that will quickly address the challenge,” he said.

The local authority is implementing a US$4 million WASH project, where it is constructing overhead and underground water reservoirs in Mkhosana to address the entire WASH programme.