SpringerLink
Log in

Water safety and associated public health impacts in upcoming and informal urban settlements in Zimbabwe: case of Amsterdam Park in Harare

  • Original Article
  • Published:
Sustainable Water Resources Management Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Water pollution issues in emerging residential areas of develo** countries’ cities are a critical issue that deserve optimum attention. Zimbabwe has had rapid urban settlement expansion since the fast-track land reform decade of 2000–2010 which released hitherto privately held urban peripheral land for urban use. This has come with service delivery challenges which militate against welfare Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) achievement. The research assessed water safety and associated public health impacts in Amsterdam Park residential area in Harare South, Zimbabwe. A descriptive case study research design employing both qualitative and quantitative data collection techniques was adopted in this research. Water quality laboratory tests, questionnaires, interviews and observations were used for data collection. Microsoft excel 2013 and content analysis were used for data analysis. Findings indicated that water being used by Amsterdam residents has more than recommended levels of ammonia, E. coli and turbidity. Deviation from normal colour, odour, oily froth and abnormal salty taste was confirmed as evidence of water contamination in wells used by Amsterdam Park residents. Seepage from the adjacent cemetery and unlined septic tanks developed by residents and from open domestic waste dumps were major water contamination sources confirmed in Amsterdam Park residential area. Diarrhoea and stomach pains were found to be most dominant signals of water contamination-related public health problems in the residential area. No measures have been put in place to counter public health challenges faced by residents of Amsterdam Park mainly because the area is not yet officially recognized, thus not yet being considered in the city council’s development plans. The research concludes that water-borne diseases will proliferate in Amsterdam Park unless proper servicing and other measures are prioritized to avoid use of unsafe water sources. The study recommends Harare City Council to consider supporting development of Amsterdam Park residential area so that it achieves required public health and safety standards as provided for by the Public Health Act and also makes progress towards the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals 3 and 6.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Subscribe and save

Springer+ Basic
EUR 32.99 /Month
  • Get 10 units per month
  • Download Article/Chapter or Ebook
  • 1 Unit = 1 Article or 1 Chapter
  • Cancel anytime
Subscribe now

Buy Now

Price includes VAT (Germany)

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1

(Source: Authors)

Fig. 2

Source: Field data, 2021

Fig. 3

Source: Field data, 2021

Fig. 4

Source: Field data, 2021

Fig. 5

Source: Field data, 2021

Fig. 6

Source: Field data, 2021

Fig. 7

Source: Field data, 2021

Fig. 8

Source: Field data, 2021

Fig. 9

Source: Field data, 2021

Similar content being viewed by others

Availability of data and materials

Not applicable.

References

  • Africa Groundwater Atlas (2018) Case study groundwater quality Lusaka Zambia. http://earthwise.bgs.ac.uk/index.php/Case_Study_Groundwater_Quality_Lusaka_Zambia

  • Albonico M, Allen H, Chitsulo L, Engels D, Gabrielli AF, Savioli L (2008) Controlling soil-transmitted helminthiasis in pre-school-age children through preventive chemotherapy. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2(3):1–11

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Alexander P, Bwatanglang IB, Daniel J (2019) Assessment of physicochemical and bacteriological parameters of borehole and hand dug well water in Michika and Environs Adamawa State Nigeria. Microbiol Res J Int. https://doi.org/10.9734/mrji/2019/v28i630148

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • City of Harare (2012) City of Harare Strategic Plan 2012–2025. City of Harare, Harare

    Google Scholar 

  • Craun GF, Brunkard JM, Yoder JS, Roberts VA, Carpenter J, Wade T, Calderon RL, Roberts JM, Beach MJ, Roy SL (2010) Causes of outbreaks associated with drinking water in the United States from 1971 to 2006. Clin Microbiol Rev 2010(23):507–528. https://doi.org/10.1128/CMR.00077-09

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Creswell JW (2013) Research design: qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches, 4th edn. SAGE Publications, Inc., London

  • Cronin AA, Hoadley AW, Gibson J, Breslin N, Komou FK, Haldin L (2007) Urbanisation effects on groundwater chemical quality: findings focusing on the nitrate problem from 2 African cities reliant on on-site sanitation. J Water Health 5:441–454

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dzawanda B, Melanie N, Matsa M, Kusena W (2021) Livelihood outcomes of informal cross border traders prior to the rise of the virtual cash economy in Gweru, Zimbabwe. J Borderlands Stud. https://doi.org/10.1080/08865655.2020.1865187

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dzwairo B, Hoko Z, Love D, Guzha E (2006) Assessment of the impacts of pit latrines on groundwater quality in rural areas: a case study from Marondera district, Zimbabwe. Phys Chem Earth Parts a/b/c 31(15–16):779–788

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fedoroff NV, Battisti DS, Beachy RN, Cooper PJM, Fishcohof DA, Hodges CN (2010) Radically rethinking agriculture for the 21st century. J Sci 327(5):833–834

    Google Scholar 

  • Foster S (2018) Urban groundwater use in Tropical Africa a key factor in enhancing water security? Water Policy 20(5):982–994

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Graham GP, Polizotto ML (2013) Pit latrines and their impacts on groundwater quality. A systematic review. Environ Health Perspect 121(2013):521–530

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hrudey SE, Hrudey EJ (2004) Safe drinking water: lessons from recent outbreaks in affluent nations. IWA Publishing, London

    Google Scholar 

  • Jacobsen M, Webster M and Vairavamoorthy K (2013) The future of water in African cities. https://doi.org/10.1596/978-0-8213-9721-3

  • Kauer J et al (2015) Adulty pick eating. Phenomenology, taste sensitivity, and psychological correlates. Appetite 90:219–228

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kumpel E, Delaire C, Peletz R, Kisiangani J, Rinehold A, De France J, Sutherland D, Khush R (2018) Measuring the impacts of water safety plans in the Asia-Pacific region. Int J Environ Res Public Health 15:1223. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph15061223

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Manzungu E, Chioreso R (2012) Internalizing a crisis? Household-level response to water scarcity in the city of Harare, Zimbabwe. J Soc Dev Afr 27(1):111–135

    Google Scholar 

  • Manzungu E, Mudenda-Damba M, Madyiwa S, Dzingirai V, Musoni S (2016) Bulk water suppliers in the City of Harare—an endogenous form of privatisation of urban domestic water services in Zimbabwe? Water Alternatives 9(1):56–80

    Google Scholar 

  • Matsa M (2012a) Urban services delivery in Limbo: a provisional assessment of Gweru’s water supply system. J Environ Sci Eng A 1(8):993–1002

    Google Scholar 

  • Matsa M (2012b) Waste from the people or people to the waste? An analysis of Gweru’s McFaden dumpsite and its environs. OSSREA Bull IX(3):31–43

    Google Scholar 

  • Matsa M, Tapfuma T (2015) The domestic water supply puzzle in Zimbabwean cities: challenges and opportunities for Mtapa Residential Suburb, Gweru, Zimbabwe. Int J Human Soc Sci 5(1):123–133

    Google Scholar 

  • Mason PR (2009) Zimbabwe experiences the worst epidemic of cholera in Africa. J Infect Dev Countries 3(2):148–151

    Google Scholar 

  • Matsa M, Mavugara R, Dzawanda B (2019) Urban domestic water supply crisis in the City of Gweru, Zimbabwe. GeoJ Spatiall Intergrat Soc Sci Human 86(3):1–20. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10708-019-10118-x. (ISSN 0343-2521)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Matsa M, Chokuda F, Mupepi O, Dzawanda B (2021) An assessment of groundwater quality in Zimbabwe’s urban areas: case of Mkoba 19 suburb, Gweru. J Environ Monitor Assess. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10061-021-09143-6

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mudimbo D, Owen R, Crane E, Upton K, Dochartaigh BÉÓ and Bellwood-Howard I (2018) Africa Groundwater Atlas: Hydrogeology of Zimbabwe. British Geological Survey. Accessed [14 May 2022]. http://earthwise.bgs.ac.uk/index.php/Hydrogeology_of_Zimbabwe

  • Muzenda F, Masocha M, Misi SN (2019) Groundwater quality assessment using a water quality index and GIS: a case of Ushewokunze Settlement, Harare, Zimbabwe. Phys Chem Earth Parts a/b/c 112:134–140

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ndoziya AT, Hoko Z, Gumindoga W (2019) Assessment of the impact of pit latrines on groundwater contamination in Hopley Settlement, Harare, Zimbabwe. J Water Sanitat Hygiene Dev 9(3):464–476

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pantaleo PA, Komakech HC, Mtei KM, Njau KN (2018) Contamination of groundwater sources in emerging African towns: the case of Babati town. Tanzania Water Pract Technol 13:980–990

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rehn M, Wallensten A, Widerstrom M, Lilja M, Grunewald M, Stenmark S, Kark M, Lindh J (2015) Post-infection symptoms following two large waterborne outbreaks of Cryptosporidium hominis in Northern Sweden, 2010–2011. BMC Public Health 15:529. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-015-1871-6

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rosa G, Clasen T (2010) Estimating the scope of household water treatment in low-and medium-income countries. Am J Trop Med Hygiene 82(2):289–300

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Still DA and Nash SR (2002) Groundwater contamination due to pit latrines located in a sandy aquifer: a case study from Maputaland. Water institute of Southern Africa, Biennal Conference, Durban

  • UNECA (United Nations Economic Commission for Africa); AU (African Union); ADB (African Development Bank Group) and UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) (2013) Assessing progress in Africa toward millennium development goals; 2013 MDG Report: food security in Africa: issues, challenges and lessons

  • UN-Habitat, (2010) The state of African cities. UN-Habitat, Nairobi

    Google Scholar 

  • WHO (2016) Monitoring health for the SDGs at who. int/ gho/publicatio ns/world healt h statistics/2016/

  • WHO/UNICEF (2017) Progress on drinking water, Sanitation: update and SDG Baselines

  • WHO/UNICEF (2021) Drinking-Water. (accessed on 14 April 2021). https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/drinking-water/

  • World Bank (2013) The future of sanitation in Harare andother cities: perspectives on possible pathways to recovery. The Zimbabwe Water Forum Policy Note 4.0 Harare

  • World Economic Forum (2015) Global risks 2015, 10th edn. World Economic Forum, Geneva

    Google Scholar 

  • World Health Organisation (2020). WHO save lives: clean your hands IN the context of COVID-19. https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/who-hhcommunity-campaign-finalv3.pdf? sfvrsn¼5f3731ef_2.Xylem, 2013. Solutions for a Water Scarce Future. **lem’s Contribution for WaterResilience. Research Report. **lem Inc. Issue no. 2.

  • Xu Y, Usher B (2006) Groundwater pollution in Africa. CRC Press, London

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • ZimStat (Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency) (2012) Zimbabwe population census 2012: national report. ZimStat (Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency), Harare

    Google Scholar 

  • ZIMSTAT (2012) Census preliminary report. Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency, Harare

    Google Scholar 

  • Zingoni E, Love D, Magadza C, Moyce W, Musiwa K (2005) Effects of a semi-formal urban settlement on groundwater quality: Epworth (Zimbabwe): case study and groundwater quality zoning. Phys Chem Earth Parts a/b/c 30(11–16):680–688

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zvobgo L and Do P (2020) COVID-19 and the call for safe hands: challenges facing the under resourced municipalities that lack potable water access—a case study of Chitungwiza municipality, Zimbabwe

Download references

Acknowledgements

All research participants in the research

Funding

No funding received for the research.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Midlands State University, Senga Road, P Bag 9055, Gweru, Zimbabwe

    Edmore Maruta, Mark Matsa, Oshneck Mupepi & Beauty Dzawanda

Authors
  1. Edmore Maruta
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Mark Matsa
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Oshneck Mupepi
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Beauty Dzawanda
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Beauty Dzawanda.

Ethics declarations

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Ethical approval

Information is provided in full under methodology section.

Consent to participate

Research participants signed consent forms and this is explained under methodology section.

Consent for publication

Consent was given.

Additional information

Publisher's Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Maruta, E., Matsa, M., Mupepi, O. et al. Water safety and associated public health impacts in upcoming and informal urban settlements in Zimbabwe: case of Amsterdam Park in Harare. Sustain. Water Resour. Manag. 9, 138 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40899-023-00921-3

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40899-023-00921-3

Keywords

Search

Navigation