Farmhouse Bulk Water Source, owned and operated by Chadwick Gabriel Investments near Ashdown Park and Bloomingdale in Harare, has ceased operations. A once bustling hub for water trucks serving residential, commercial, and industrial clients now sits abandoned. Questions arise about the reasons behind the closure and its impact on Harare’s bulk water industry.
This story is however not new. Recent reports in the Suburban shed light on alleged illegal water abstraction at the source by Chadwick Gabriel Investments. Initially accused of selling water to third parties without authorization, the company’s practices were later found to be compliant with its permit. Despite initial backlash from residents and media coverage, it was clarified that the company’s operations were legal.
Our reporter visited the bulk water source and spoke to Mr Chad Mapfumo, the owner of Chadwick Investments.
“Bloomingdale residents led by one Kuda Chifamba complained that we would finish underground water and that trucks frequenting Rosdeane Road would damage the road. They are seriously misinformed about ground water and it’s engineering. They also feel that our permit does not allow selling water to third parties. Which is wrong . They have been going on and on about this point. However what they misinterpreted is that the permit is not transferable to a third party”, Mr Mapfumo said
“Kuda Chifamba drafted a petition which was signed door to door my by those without boreholes, minors, even lodgers who do not own the properties. He further went on to misinform social media and the Suburban newspaper which has since apologised to us in their newspaper. So this petition was sent to Upper Manyame, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Environment, EMA, Police, ZACC, Mayor, MP and Ward 16 Councellor Denford Ngadziore offices”, Mr Mapfumo penned.
On being asked whether they had permanently closed the water site, Mr Mapfumo had this to say. “We did not close the water site. We are in the process of developing a new loading bay. Money is the only determinant of our speed. We have only temporarily closed the water source to manage residents complaint about Rosdeane Road usage. Otherwise we have a permit and all is in order”
The temporary closure has however had shocks in the bulk water industry. Bulk water delivery companies frequenting the water source have pointed out the shutdown has impacted their operations and cost of delivery.
“The closure of the water source is now affecting our operations and putting pressure on the other water sources in the area. The remaining water sources are experiencing pressure and this situation is also being worsened by poor rains this past season. Also, operations have become more expensive as trucks are travelling more distance, therefore putting more pressure on costs”, Mr Wisdom Chikambi of Mobile Oasis Farms said.
Whether the water source shall open remains to be seen. Or it shall be closed for good.