Burst Water Pipe Leaves Harare Western Suburbs Dry – Council Yet To Issue Statement

Harare Families Struggle As Burst Pipe Cuts Water Supply

A major water pipe burst at Morton Jaffray Water Works has left Harare’s western suburbs without water for days, with the city council yet to issue an official statement. From September 11 to September 18, 2025, residents in areas such as Warren Park, Cold Comfort, Westgate, and Mabelreign reported dry taps, stating that water was only available for a single day during that period.

Suburbs hit by the crisis

The affected areas span most of Harare’s western suburbs, including Warren Park, Cold Comfort, Ashbrittle, Avonlea, Bluff Hill, Marlborough, Westgate, Westlea, Mabelreign, Greencroft, Ashdown Park, Emerald Hill, Sentosa, Sunridge, Strathaven, and Tynwald.

One resident from Warren Park described the impact, saying:

“From 11 September 2025, council water was only available on Monday, 15 September. By 18 September, our taps were still running dry. Families are struggling.”

Another resident from Westgate added:

“It’s been a full week without water. We are relying on boreholes and neighbours. This is not sustainable.”

Others complained that the water shortages were worsened by erratic electricity supply. A Cold Comfort resident remarked:

“In addition to the desperate water situation… ZESA woo… hatichatauri (we have nothing more to say).”

Councillor confirms Morton Jaffray challenges

Ward 15 Councillor for Warren Park, Tafadzwa Machirori, addressed the issue on 17 September. He said technical faults at Morton Jaffray Water Works had reduced water output, forcing cuts in some parts of Harare.

He explained:

“I am informed there are technical challenges at Morton Jaffray water works resulting in low production. This has necessitated water cut in some areas of Harare. Will update when I get full information.”

On 18 September, Machirori issued another message confirming the burst pipe was still unattended.

He stated:

“We have a major water pipe burst which is yet to be attended from Morton Jaffray. This pipe supplies the western areas. Council is still at resource mobilisation stage. Sorry for the inconveniences caused.”

Waiting for a council statement

As of 18 September 2025, water had not yet been restored in many households across the affected suburbs. The council has not released a formal statement addressing the crisis or giving a timeframe for repairs.