Water Availability Challenges in Low-Income Area of Caledonia Community, Goromonzi District, Zimbabwe

Abstract

Sources, availability and challenges of potable water were studied in low-income area of Caledonia, Goromonzi District, Zimbabwe. A total of 450 pretested and randomly distributed questionnaires were used on adult respondents in the study area. Qualitative techniques used in data collection include Key Informant Interviews, Focus Group discussions, and Participant Observation. Statistical Package for Social Scientists and thematic analysis were used to analyze quantitative and qualitative data respectively. Findings indicate that water supply remains inadequate in the study area and residents resort to use hand dug surface wells as the major source of drinking water and hand dug deep well had 27% of the respondents. These water sources were located less than 50 meters from their houses and about half the respondents visit water bodies daily. The highest total rating of supply of water by the respondents was on “poor” supply (97%). Findings indicate that access to safe and reliable water is limited and unevenly distributed in Caledonia. Environmental pollution, water quality issues, hydrological failures, and unstable government policies were among the major problems to water provision and sanitation in the study area. Caledonia suburb is known for its poor socio-economic status and deplorable living conditions. This study enhances the understanding of useful contribution to the literature about improved methods for solving water and sanitation accessibility problems. The study strongly recommends effective strategies to curb the potential spreading of typhoid and cholera, as many water bodies in the area are contaminated by raw sewage.

Keywords: Access of Water; Sanitation: low-income; Caledonia; Goromonzi

DOI: 10.7176/JEES/16-1-06

Publication date: May 28^th 2026