Students at the University of Zimbabwe (UZ) are demanding immediate action from the university administration to address a serious water shortage affecting all residence halls on campus.
Represented by Narshon T Kohlo, Chairperson of the Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU) UZ Chapter, the students say that the crisis has reached a point where health and sanitation are severely impacted.
“Students are facing an urgent water crisis in the halls of residence, a basic human right that cannot be ignored,” Kohlo said in a statement.
Despite prior discussions with the university administration and assurances that the issue would be resolved, conditions have only worsened.
“Promises were made, but nothing has changed. Toilets cannot flush, and corridors now smell terrible due to the lack of water,” he added.
According to Kohlo, students have paid substantial fees, including USD 715 for accommodation, and expect essential services in return.
“With such high accommodation fees, the least the university can do is ensure 24/7 access to clean, running water,” he said.
Kohlo also highlighted the specific needs of female students, who require reliable water access for health and hygiene, and expressed concern about the quality of meals provided due to the water shortage.
Students are giving the university a seven-day deadline to fix the situation or face potential protests.
“If the administration fails to act, we will invoke our constitutional right to demonstrate and petition,” Kohlo stated firmly.
Other students echoed Kohlo’s sentiments. Lina Zuru, a resident student, expressed her frustration, saying, “We pay so much, but they can’t even provide us with clean water. It’s unacceptable.”
Gerald Mukonho, another student, added, “This place should feel like a second home. We just want the basic services we pay for.”
With growing dissatisfaction, students are urging the university to resolve the water crisis promptly to ensure a safe and healthy living environment.
The administration of UZ has not yet issued any response to the plea and ultimatum put forth by the students.
UZ is indeed facing a water crisis, but it’s part of a much larger issue affecting urban areas across the country.
Many Zimbabwean towns and cities, including Harare, are struggling with severe water shortages.
The water crisis in Zimbabwe’s urban centers is, therefore, a result of a combination of outdated infrastructure, rapid urban growth, economic difficulties, and environmental factors like drought.
