Water Projects Face Delays Amid Global Economic Pressures

Article By Phenyo Babusi

A combination of global crises and supply chain disruptions has delayed the implementation of several water projects across the country.

Appearing before the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Government Assurances, Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Water and Human Settlements, Nchidzi Mmolawa, said government resolved not to halt critical water projects after the COVID-19 pandemic, recognising the essential nature of water services.

However, he noted that delays in the delivery of resources affected project timelines. The situation was further worsened by the Russia-Ukraine war, which drove up steel prices and increased construction costs.

Mmolawa added that ongoing tensions involving Iran are also creating fresh challenges for project implementation, placing additional pressure on the delivery of key water infrastructure projects.