If you caught the news, you’ll know that the water crisis in places like Harare and Chitungwiza has hit a breaking point. It’s not just an inconvenience; it’s a threat to health, dignity, and education—and women and girls are carrying the heaviest load.

That’s why Women4Water, together with our amazing supporters ActionAid Zimbabwe and Sprout Women Empowerment Trust, hosted the Water Justice Dialogue at Cresta Oasis. We brought together residents, community leaders, faith groups, and decision-makers to do one thing: turn our outrage into action.

When Water is a Luxury, Not a Right

The most powerful part of the day was hearing the stories. Women from Hopley, Chitungwiza, Seke, Ruwa, and Epworth spoke out, sharing heartbreaking details about their daily struggle:

• Febbie Maramwidze described how her children miss school because they’re stuck waiting for water.
• Margaret Chitsaya reminded us that without clean water, disease is a constant risk.
• The desperation was clear when Gladys Chihozhwa from Hopley shared that they are sometimes forced to draw water near graveyards just to survive. “It’s shameful, but what choice do we have?” she asked.

As our very own leader, Caroline Mutimbanyoka, put it, we can no longer act alone. This is bigger than local councils; it’s a national emergency. We must combine our efforts to get solutions and accountability.

Our Roadmap: Five Ways to Fix the Crisis

During our group discussions, we didn’t just complain—we drafted a clear plan. Here are the five big areas we’re focusing on:

1. Stop Ignoring Water in Budgets: We need Parliament and councils to set aside real money specifically for water infrastructure, especially in neglected peri-urban areas. Mr. Mlambo from the Fight Inequality Alliance has pledged to track these budgets with us!
2. Fix the Broken Pipes: The basic system is failing. We need immediate, massive investment to repair dilapidated pipes, stop leaks, and upgrade old treatment plants that can’t handle the demand anymore.
3. Let Women Lead: Community members, especially women, must be included in every step—from planning to monitoring water quality and fixing leaks locally.
4. Find New, Smart Solutions: We must look beyond the municipal tap. This means investing in solar-powered boreholes, fixing old ones, and promoting rainwater harvesting to build resilience.
5. Use the Law: Section 77 of the Constitution guarantees every person the right to safe, clean water. We will be working with lawyers and civil groups to use this law to challenge authorities when they fail to provide this basic right.

We Are Moving Forward, Together

This dialogue wasn’t a one-off meeting; it’s the start of continuous, unified action. Wellington Madumira from CANZIM committed to tracking every government promise and ensuring the voices of the hardest-hit communities ring loud in Parliament.

To every resident who attended and shared your story: Thank you. Your courage is what fuels this movement.

Water is life, and it is a fundamental right, not a commodity. We will not stop until every home, every school, and every person has access to clean, safe, and potable water.

Join the movement. Follow our updates. Share your story. Our collective strength is the only way forward!

For more information, read the news article here: https://www.heraldonline.co.zw/dialogue-highlights-water-crisis-in-harare-chitungwiza1/.