Harare Mayor Explains Yellow Brown Tap Water, Says Powerful Disinfectant Is Clearing Pipes

Harare Mayor Explains Why City Water Now Has Yellow Brown Colour, Says We Are Using A More Powerful Disinfectant

Harare residents are up in arms after footage emerged of tap water running a disgusting yellow-brown colour across multiple suburbs, but Mayor Jacob Mafume has hit back, claiming the filth is actually a sign that the city is fixing the pipes.

The shocking video, posted by the Combined Harare Residents Association (CHRA) on February 12, shows the murky liquid gushing from taps in Glenview 3, sparking fears of a major health crisis. However, social media responses indicate the problem is not isolated to one area, with residents from Westlea, Warren Park, and Budiriro also reporting discoloured water and lengthy dry spells.

In a late-night response on X, the mayor dismissed the alarm, revealing that the council has quietly introduced a new chemical into the supply.

“I think we need a serious discussion with residents association. We have introduced chlorine dioxide and its clearing the pipes. It’s a more powerful disinfectant. We have explained this to you why are you alarming people?” Mayor Jacob Mafume – @JMafume, February 12, 2026

The explanation has done little to quell residents’ anger, who accuse the council of failing to communicate the changes and of leaving families to drink what looks like sewage.

‘What Should We Do In The Meantime?’

Social media erupted within hours of the mayor’s statement, with thousands questioning the safety of the new disinfectant and demanding to know why there was no public warning before the brown water started flowing.

User @BrianHove was quick to point out the council’s communication failure, posting:

“But there has not been public awareness on the disinfectant use, yes it’s clearing the pipes but what is its effect on public use and what residents have to do?” @BrianHove, February 12, 2026

Another resident, @tazgomo, posed the question on everyone’s lips, demanding immediate answers from the mayor.

“I would want to know from you as to what then should we use in the mean time? Should we not drink water in the mean time while waiting for the pipes to clear? What contingency plans have you put in place to ensure we have water while pipes are cleaned?” @tazgomo, February 13, 2026

The lack of a clear safety advisory has left many fearing for their families. User @HKetero slammed the mayor’s communication style, advising a more professional approach.

“Explain mvura yakasviba (the dirty water)? The only sensible response was: Noted, we will investigate. Apologies for the inconvenience, please do not cook or drink that water while we get to the root of the cause. Good PR.” @HKetero, February 13, 2026

Prepaid Meter Chaos Adds Fuel To The Fire

As the water quality debate engulfs the capital, residents have used the opportunity to pile pressure on Mafume over the disastrous rollout of prepaid water meters, particularly in suburbs like Westlea and Warren Park, where families claim they are being bled dry by exorbitant charges.

Others are facing financial ruin simply to get a drop of the discoloured liquid. User @gkasecha1 demanded answers from the mayor regarding the new meters.

“Va Mafume in regards to the prepaid water issue in Westlea, Warren Park. Residents have complained that the prepaid meters are resulting in exorbitant charges, with some allegedly paying between US$50 and US$180 (approx R900 to R3,240) per month. Tipewo zvakazobuda pama investigations enyu (Tell us what came out of your investigations). THANK YOU.” @gkasecha1, February 13, 2026

This was echoed by user @MashyChinembiri, who directly addressed the mayor and the company involved.

“May you attend to the faulty prepaid metering in Westlea, Harare. Residents are being charged exorbitant fees. A normal household of 4 or 5 people has to fork out more than US$80 (approx R1,440) in water charges. Let Helcraw know that if they made an error, they should fix it.” Chinembiri (@MashyChinembiri), February 13, 2026