The provision of potable water to many households in the Municipalities of Harare and neighboring Chitungwiza remains erratic as a result of old water reticulation infrastructure which frequently breaks down and remains unrepaired for long periods. Because the sewage system is similarly old, vulnerable households remain pre-disposed to contaminated water. Cross-spillage and cross-seepage into drinking water supply is a constant threat.

The Peri-Urban Rooftop Rainwater Harvesting in Zimbabwe (PROOF) program, funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is designed to provide a medium term solution to the critical safe water supply problem faced by some high density areas in the Municipalities of Harare and Chitungwiza through the installation of rain water harvesting systems (RWHS). RWHS provide abundant clean water during the rainy season when typically there is an increased incidence of water borne diseases. When RWHS is combined with regulated consumption and sufficient water storage capacity, it can provide drinking water all year round. The high-density areas of Zimbabwean cities offer ideal conditions for the installation of rooftop rainwater harvesting systems (RWHS) at houses and schools.

PROOF will satisfy the water supply needs during the interim period between the erratic supply of low quality water that takes place under the current conditions, and the extensive rehabilitation of high-density water supply and sanitation systems. The program is designed to serve 1,350 households (450 installations) and 7,500 students at 15 schools.

In addition, the PROOF program will support the implementation of water, sanitation, and hygiene and food security programs implemented by other USAID-funded agencies in Zimbabwe. IRD has designed and started implementing this program in partnership with Oxfam, which will be responsible for the hygiene promotion and the distribution of non-food items in case of a water-borne disease outbreak. In addition, IRD will be complementing Mercy Corps activities in the Chitungwiza area. This strategic approach is designed to be a model for future interventions in other areas of the country and in other countries facing similar conditions.

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