Construction of elevated and ground water reservoirs in Mkhosana is progressing well with the project expected to be completed in May this year.
The City of Victoria Falls undertook construction of a five megalitre (5 million litres) ground water tank and 0.75 megalitre (750 000 litres) elevated water storage tank in Mkhosana to address water challenges associated with lack of storage facilities. Integrated Construction Projects was contracted to undertake the project.
The elevated 5 megalitre tank, which is about 28 metres high, is complete while laying of panels on the footing for the ground tank has started. About 1 000 panels are on site while 128 more were still being expected. The pumphouse is complete.
The new reservoirs, with a life span of 50 years with maintenance, will ensure availability of water for the rest of Victoria Falls including the upcoming housing schemes such as BE100. The elevated 0.75 megalitre reservoir will help generate pressure and ensure through the force of gravity and ensure water reaches every section of the city with significant pressure.
The project, worth US$4.5 million, is the first phase of the bigger Water, Sanitation and Hygiene programme which will also involve upgrading of infrastructure at the abstraction point on Zambezi River and treatment plant.
Council currently pumps 21.6 million litres of water per day. Existing storage facilities include the 10 million litres (10 megalitres) tank, a 2.28 megalitres and an elevated 0.45 megalitres tank, all in Aerodrome. There are also two reservoirs measuring 2.28 megalitres each at Sprayview, and also two reservoirs measuring 2.28 megalitres (ground) and 0.75 megalitres (elevated) in Chinotimba.
The City’s water challenges have been due to lack of storage facilities and huge transit population. Availability of reservoirs will also address the challenge of water taps running dry immediately when there are power cuts. The City thus started with construction of the reservoirs in its Wash project after which upgrade of the abstraction and treatment infrastructure will follow.
