Source: State pushes bankable water deal for Norton – herald
Sharon Jiyamwa
Herald reporter
THE Government has urged Norton Town Council and stakeholders to move swiftly from feasibility work to bankable investment arrangements that will unlock construction and long-term operation of a new water treatment solution to strengthen water security and climate resilience by 2030.
The call was made by Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe in a speech read on his behalf by his deputy Benjamin Kabikira at the Norton Water Investment Symposium held at the University of Zimbabwe Innovation Hub on Friday.
Minister Garwe said the theme “Investing in Water Security and Climate Resilience for a Sustainable and Smart Norton Town by 2030” was timely, noting that Norton had reached a point where the need for a sustainable solution was no longer in question.
“Norton has reached a point where the question is no longer whether a sustainable water solution is required, that need is clear,” he said.
“The challenge now is to move from identifying the problem to financing, constructing and sustainably operating a lasting solution.”
“Water is not merely a municipal service, it is strategic social and economic infrastructure. Reliable water protects public health, supports sanitation, enables housing development and promotes industrial productivity and gives investors confidence.”
He said Norton has continued to grow while its supply has, for many years, depended substantially on bulk treated water sourced outside the town’s administrative boundaries, limiting Council’s ability to control future supply reliability.
Minister Garwe applauded the progress made by the council, saying the project has advanced beyond aspiration through feasibility work carried out through a partnership between Norton Town Council and the University of Zimbabwe.
“The next stage must create clarity on the final technical solution, water allocation, capital requirements, financing, project risks, institutional responsibilities, approvals, operation and long-term maintenance,” he said.
While noting Government’s openness to private-sector participation, development finance and well-structured public-private partnerships, Minister Garwe said any arrangement must protect the public interest, deliver value for money and maintain affordability alongside financial sustainability.
“Our objective is not simply to build a plant, but to establish a water system that works, delivers value and continues to work for generations,” he said.
Minister Garwe also linked the project to Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030, saying progress must be felt “community by community” and “town by town,” including visible improvements such as clean water at household level and expanded private investment.
“Water security will be fundamental to Norton’s transformation and to the wider national development agenda,” he said.
Speaking at the symposium opening, Norton Town Secretary Mr Kizito Muhomba said that the council is working towards securing a reliable and sustainable water supply for all stakeholders and for future generations, and to end the long water crisis in the town.
The event brought together senior Government officials, traditional leadership, Norton Town Council leadership, the University of Zimbabwe, UDCORP, investors, financiers, development partners, business leaders and the media.
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