Harare mayor Jacob Mafume has defended his choice to drink bottled water amid complaints about dirty tap supplies.
Mafume claimed that bottled water sold in Harare largely originates from the city’s municipal supply.
His comments came after residents reported receiving discoloured water from their taps this week.
The complaints followed a planned shutdown of key water infrastructure across Harare.
The city council temporarily halted operations to conduct urgent repairs and clean its reservoirs.
Morton Jaffray Water Works underwent a partial shutdown during the maintenance exercise.
Meanwhile, officials completely closed Warren Control Pump Station for urgent leak repairs.
The disruptions affected residents already struggling with unreliable water supplies.
Mafume explains the bottled water controversy
Mafume later appeared at KwaTerry, where bottled water sat on the table during his visit.
The image attracted criticism because residents were simultaneously reporting poor-quality water from their taps.
One commentator questioned why the mayor appeared to enjoy cleaner water while residents faced the problem.
Mafume responded by explaining where he believes most bottled water originates.
“Please note most, if not all bottled water comes from Harare City Water; they just further filter it! From now on, we will require all bottled water companies to acknowledge the use of Harare Water,” said Mafume.
Mayor doubles down on Harare water claim
Mafume then broadened his argument beyond bottled water.
He claimed that several popular beverages consumed across the city ultimately rely on Harare’s water supply.
“All the drinks and beer you drink in Harare and beyond are Harare Water. So I was drinking Harare water in a bottle. Choose a City, I choose Harare Anyday Everyday!”
The mayor’s comments have since added another dimension to Harare’s ongoing water debate.
Residents continue to demand reliable supplies and cleaner water from the city’s authorities.
The post Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume Makes Bold Claim About Bottled Water appeared first on iHarare News.
