WATER MANAGEMENT OF HARARE METROPOLITAN PROVINCE MIRIAM RUTENDO CHIKUKWA
The research sought to assess the management of Harare metropolitan province focusing on water provision. The research method used was qualitative and quantitative qualitative approach and the data was generated through the use of questionnaire, face-to-face interviews, focus group discussions, and the researcher as a tool. This research uses a combination of purposive and convenience sampling and this is because of limitedness of resources and also the unplanned structure of certain suburbs. The findings of the study could be generalised as those affecting the water challenges and their implications. This research shows that the provision and availability of water has become inadequate, people are forced to use contaminated water, resulting into water-related diseases, such as cholera, dysentery, and diarrhea, as they fetch water from unprotected sources and use the bush system, as toilets are closed because of the shortage of water which has an impact on health and livelihood of community members which affects the livelihoods and community health of residents. The other implications of water scarcity on community health as well as livelihoods is time and resources being spent to obtain basic commodiy such as water. It was concluded that population growth coupled with water infrastructure that is available is causing water shortages. Broken pipes, less rain, unfair distribution of water to various sections of the area is contributing to water shortages. The municipality is trying to save water, and some residents at some reasons they don’t pay water bills.
