Short documentary film on water shortage

“Dry city” Tagline A silent scream

Synopsis The narrative carries a story on the struggles that Chitungwiza is going through as a city. It explores the day to day life of the community without water. The way they have been disadvantaged and how they have managed to survive. It also identifies the diseases that have become a daily meal for the community. OUTLINE: Without water there is no life. The moon is a barren rock (sterile desert) because of lack of this precious liquid. The reason why we hardly find life in a desert is because nothing can survive in the absence of water. The growth of Chitungwiza as a city is only in its population and yet that is deprived of what is important to it. Once upon a time Chitungwiza town never considered the importance of water. When one needed water, all they had to do was to turn on the tap. The only time that one become aware of the importance of water was when there was a drought and the water supply was regulated. But today water has become a rare commodity that one cannot spare. Living in the urban area has proved to be not so glamorous because of the water shortages brushing teeth or even a shave has proved to be a luxury. Bathing has been limited to 5liters a day. One then wonders how the people operate in various environments (such as office, classroom and public transport) in relation to personal hygiene.
Water borne diseases have also been a scare to the city. In February2013, typhod hit Chitungwiza to the extent that an average of 5 people were being admitted to Chitungwiza hospital per day. One might wonder how people contract typhoid. To begin with it is important to understand that one can get infected by typhoid through the use of water that is contaminated with faeces. A lot of people have resorted to digging unprotected wells however the wells also pose a threat. Most of these wells co-exist with burst sewage pipes resulting in the spread of typhoid. Cholera has also taken its toll in Chitungwiza.Cholera is a waterborne disease that causes acute diarrhea leading to dehydration and death if not promptly treated it is curable with early intervention that includes re- hydration and antibiotics. However it will remain a threat for as long as water sources are unreliable. Cholera is highly contagious and spreads through personal contact in addition to ingesting contaminated water.