City Of Harare Clarifies Kuwadzana Sludge, Says It Is Not Harmful

City Of Harare Clarifies Kuwadzana Sludge, Says It Is Not Harmful — The City of Harare has moved to reassure residents of Kuwadzana Extension that the black sludge coming from water tanks in the area is not harmful, saying it is residue from water treatment chemicals that has accumulated at the bottom of reservoirs over time.

The clarification follows the circulation of pictures and videos showing black sludge being discharged from water tanks during an ongoing reservoir-cleaning exercise.

In a statement, the City of Harare said the cleaning exercise was still underway and that water distribution in Kuwadzana Extension would only resume once the work is completed on Monday, 31 August 2026.

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The local authority explained that sludge naturally settles at the bottom of reservoirs and accumulates over time, making periodic cleaning necessary.

“Unfortunately, some houses are located around our dislodging valve and sludge is flowing along roads,” the city said.

It added that the sludge consists of residue from water treatment chemicals and is not harmful.

The City of Harare said it is working to complete the cleaning exercise as quickly as possible and has established a dedicated team to clean reservoirs.

The local authority apologised to residents for the inconvenience caused by the exercise.

Residents have been advised to await the completion of the cleaning process before water distribution resumes.