The Pungwe River is found in the
nearby Nyanga mountains. Over the years Mutare, not immune to
drought has suffered water shortage problems and until now,
had to restrict it's use of water to help ensure enough
remains for the essentials of life. An initiative, to divert
water from the Pungwe into Mutare's reservoirs is currently
underway to address that problem. Once completed, Mutare will
never again suffer from water shortages or restrictions. This
projects exemplifies Mutare's commitment to future
development and sustainability.
This project comes as a blessing to
all including local citizens, visitors and business operators
who rely on water for their operations. Mutare is proud of
this development and thought it would be interesting to show
you a few pictures of the project and present you with a fact
sheet. Updates will occur as the project continues.
Photograph Legend
Upper
left: Unloading fiberglass re-enforced pipe.
Upper right: Laying pipe. Very
special care is taken not to disturb the natural
environment.
Lower left: Workers posing in from
of the tunneling machine.
Lower right: The Pungwe River. A
natural wonder respected by local residents for its
mystical and life giving properties. The word
'pungwe' means always, never ending. |
Pungwe Project Fact Sheet
Main
Contractor: Skanska (Sweden)
Completion date: December 22, 1998
Current status: Tunnel drilling
underway.
Tunnel: 4.3 km
Pipeline: 72km
Delivery of water: 22 million cubic
metres p.a.
|
Mutare is currently computerizing
the entire organization with UNIX and Windows NT servers and
a Local Area Network, with plans to migrate to a Wide Area
Network to incorporate its satellite offices. Mutare is very
interested in implementing positive change and believes in
using modern approaches to address modern needs. The first
phase of the project, to have a LAN up and running by
Christmas 97 is well underway. Mutare has solicited the
services of a computer systems engineer from Nelson, Canada
to help with the project.
This programme is a tradition in
Zimbabwe where municipalities all across the country join in
to raise funds for the underprivileged. The idea, which was
developed many years ago raises hope for residents who might
otherwise go through Christmas without. Food, clothes,
blankets and other necessities are provided by means of
donations made by local businesses and private individuals.
Although donations are accepted all year round, the campaign
to raise funds really starts up in September and goes well
into the holiday season. We hope to bring you a list of
donors in upcoming revisions of this site.
On December 1st Mutare joins the
world to host World AIDS Day, a day set aside to raise
awareness of the disease. This year's theme is not yet know
but will be included here as soon as possible.
In Mutare and Zimbabwe in general,
there is widespread commitment and participation in the
growing challenge to address the serious AIDS problem and
it's consequences. Despite these efforts, resources remain
inadequate. This calls for a desperate need for International
partnerships. If you are interested in getting involved help
please contact us at our e-mail address at civic@mutare.intersol.co.zw . Put "Attention to the Medical Officer
of Health" in the subject line of your note.
