Harare City Council has created an emergency water taskforce headed by town clerk Dr Tendai Mahachi dubbed 24/7. The taskforce's vision is to ensure uninterrupted water supply in Harare. Dr Mahachi confirmed the setting up of two multidisciplinary teams drawing officials from a number of city departments.

The city is failing to supply adequate water to residents. Close to 60 percent of all water pumped from Morton Jaffray and Prince Edward Water Treatment Plants is lost through leaks. At the same time over 70 000 households enjoy free water as they are illegally connected and not on the city billing list.

"Our aim is to improve on water delivery. There is progress that has been registered under the present set-up but we want a quantum leap in water delivery," he said.

Last week Dr Mahachi assumed management of the amenities department (formerly waste management).

He divided the city into eight zones whose team leaders report to him on a daily basis.

Under the new set-up that seeks to bring teamwork in the operations of council there would be two teams.

Harare wastewater manager Eng Simon Muserere heads the technical team composed of water engineers, officials from city health, treasury, urban planning and human capital.

The city public relations manager Mr Leslie Gwindi is part of the team.