Part of the Bushmead water works on the banks of Lake Mutirikwi

Trymore Tagwirei

A commercial farmer in Bushmead connected himself to City of Masvingo water pipes and used the precious liquid for 20 years without paying a cent, it has been heard.

This was reveled during a recent full council meeting when the Public Works and Housing Committee tabled a report on a reconnection application submitted by a resident identified as L. Chengeta who used the water for commercial agriculture.

The committee reported that investigations had exposed Chengeta for reconnecting himself to the municipal water supply after being disconnected several years ago for failing to settle outstanding bills.

Council heard that despite the disconnection, the resident allegedly continued drawing treated water from the main supply line for nearly two decades without authorisation or payment.

Following the revelations, councillors resolved to reject the reconnection application, arguing that the resident had already illegally restored his water supply outside council procedures.

The committee also recommended that the finance director refer the matter to management for possible recovery of the US$46 800 debt accumulated over the years.

During deliberations, Ward 3 Councillor Maxwell Madhuna questioned how the illegal connection had gone undetected for such a long period.

“How was it possible for someone to use council water for so many years without detection. I think council officials should visit the area and conduct a proper inspection. Considering that the water was allegedly used commercially. I believe the amount owed could actually be higher,” said Madhuna.

Ther Town Clerk, Edward Mukaratirwa told councillors that the resident had initially received a legal water connection before being disconnected after accumulating unpaid bills.

He said council made investigations and later established that the resident allegedly bypassed the disconnection and unlawfully reconnected himself to the water supply system, continuing to access treated water without council approval.

The issue is now before council management, which is expected to determine appropriate legal steps and mechanisms to recover the money owed.