- Harare residents have reported tap water appearing yellow-brown across multiple suburbs.
- Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume stated that the discoloration is a sign of ongoing pipe cleaning efforts.
- The city is reportedly using a more powerful disinfectant, contributing to the change in water appearance.
- Residents have expressed concerns over the water quality and alleged exorbitant charges for water services.
Residents in Zimbabwe’s capital, Harare, have raised alarms over the discovery of yellow-brown tap water in their homes, with numerous reports and videos circulating online. The discoloured water has sparked widespread public concern regarding the safety and potability of the city’s water supply.
In response to the growing outcry, Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume issued a statement, asserting that the unusual colour is not indicative of contamination but rather a positive sign of the city’s efforts to rectify underlying issues within its pipe infrastructure. According to the Mayor, a new, more potent disinfectant is being utilized, which is actively clearing sediment and impurities from the water pipes, hence the temporary discoloration.
Despite the Mayor’s assurances, residents remain skeptical, with some pointing to a history of water-related challenges and billing discrepancies. Complaints about faulty prepaid metering and excessive water charges have also resurfaced, adding to the public’s frustration amidst the ongoing water quality concerns.
Timeline
- **February 13-14, 2026:** Footage and reports of yellow-brown tap water spread across Harare suburbs.
- **February 14, 2026:** Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume issues a statement explaining the water’s discoloration as a result of new disinfection and pipe-cleaning processes.
Key Players
- **Jacob Mafume:** Mayor of Harare, providing explanations for the water discoloration.
- **Harare Residents:** Reporting discoloured water and expressing concerns over quality and billing.
- **City of Harare:** Municipality responsible for water supply and infrastructure.
