Urban water conundrums in Zimbabwe – the role of water policy and its implementation gaps

Abstract

Zimbabwe's urban areas are experiencing a dearth of water services which is epitomized by acute water shortages and high morbidity due to waterborne diseases. The possible contribution of failures of water policy implementation to this state of affairs is explored. This review identifies and assesses 122 studies in Zimbabwe and in other countries that have analyzed water policies, in order to understand the factors which create gaps in policy implementation. It was found that these implementation gaps are mainly a result of capacity limitations in institutions; finances; social and technical/human resources. There is currently very limited literature available that analyses water policy in Zimbabwe. In order to overcome the water conundrums in Zimbabwe's urban areas it is recommended that a literature review combined with an empirical study of both qualitative and quantitative gaps between the ZNWP and its implementation be undertaken. In particular, the review and study should focus on capacity limitations in institutions; finances; social and technical/human resources in Zimbabwe.

Public-private partnerships to improve water infrastructure in Zimbabwe

“…The country's urban water infrastructure is dilapidated, resulting in poor water quality and constant water shortages and, consequently, induced deleterious epidemiological cholera outbreaks, for example in 2008 and 2018 (Musemwa, 2021:28). The continuous deterioration of the water sector raises fundamental questions about policy formulation, adoption, implementation and evaluation because a water policy that aims to provide affordable, adequate, quality and sustainable water services ought to include regulations, programmes and plans (Taonameso et al, 2021:2).…”

“…Despite the authority vested in ZINWA by the Constitution as promulgated, ZINWA continues to face challenges in the execution of its mandate. Taonameso et al (2021) note that "ZINWA cannot implement its mandate". One of the complexities highlighted as a challenge is that "ZINWA is both a regulator and a service provider, and the National Water Policy (NWP) of 2013 gave way for the formation of ZINWA" (GoZ, 2015:16).…”

Urban water insecurity drivers in the Brazilian semi-arid region

“…Furthermore, the water supply for billions of people is intermittent, especially in rural and peri-urban areas (Taonameso et al 2021). According to UN-Water (2021), based on data from 2018, the regions that suffer the most from water stress are Central, Western, and Southern Asia and Northern Africa.…”

“…Increasingly, water use has become more intensive to meet the needs of a growing population (UN-Water 2021). Because of this, water supply services have been unable to keep up with the increase in demand (Taonameso et al 2021).…”

“…It might result in an overload of existing urban equipment and services if they are not adequately planned to absorb the increased demands in water consumption, collection and treatment of wastewater, appropriate disposal of garbage, and road support (Simpson 2013). In developing countries and emerging economies, water scarcity is often caused by ill water supply policies and governance crises (Taonameso et al 2021). Maingey et al (2021) studied the increase of scarcity impacts on Kenya and showed a failed water resources access and how climate change is the main driver.…”