Zimbabwe: Water Woes Delay UZ Opening

The University of Zimbabwe has postponed the opening of the 2012/2013 first semester to September 10 as perennial water shortages continue to plague the country’s highest learning institution.

The university was supposed to open on August 27 for its first semester.

In a statement yesterday, UZ director-information, protocol and public relations Mr Dennis Rwafa said the current water problems have forced the institution to move the first semester to next month.

He said efforts were being made to ensure adequate water supplies would be available by the new proposed date of opening.

“The university and relevant authorities are making all efforts to ensure that by September 10 a consistent supply of water will be available,” said Mr Rwafa. “Orientation for first year students and registration will now take place from September 7 to 9.”

The university has also moved the graduation day date from Friday this week to a date yet to be confirmed.

Harare City Council spokesman Mr Leslie Gwindi said council has pumped 2,5 million litres of water to the UZ.

“We have given them 2,5 million litres of water and we are not aware of the postponement,” he said.

Perennial water shortages have in the past resulted in disturbances mainly to undergraduate students.

In 2008 opening of the first semester was postponed from August to November amid fears that the water shortage would result in a major disease outbreak.

The following year, the water problems forced the university to close its doors to the majority of undergraduate students and the authorities were forced to suspend lectures and close halls of residents for students.

The institution opened its residents in 2011 after the construction of a 2,5-megalitre reservoir.