HARARE, Feb. 4 (Xinhua) -- The World Bank has committed 10 million U.S. dollars to fund the rehabilitation of Harare's water supply system and ensure each household gets potable water, the city's mayor Muchadeyi Masunda has said.

On its part, Harare has set up a team of lawyers, auditors and technical persons to carry out a due diligence exercise following the transfer of water and sewer management from Zinwa back to council. The team starts work on Wednesday.

Masunda said the World Bank funding will go towards the provision of potable water and repairing the broken-down water reticulation system, The Herald reported on Wednesday.

At least 45 percent of Harare's treated water is lost through leaks.

Masunda said the World Bank has long made the offer to assist council in water provision. He did not give a timeframe within which residents should expect an improvement, but indicated that council would do all within its power to ensure a speedyrevival of the water delivery system.

"It is a matter receiving our urgent attention. It is going to be resolved expeditiously. We cannot give a timeframe as of now," he said.

He said World Bank country representative Mungai Lenneiye has approached council with the funding proposal.

A meeting would be held soon between the council and the Bretton Woods institution and other prospective bilateral donors such as Germany who had promised support.

He said the issue of water treatment chemicals has for now been catered for through a donation of purifying chemicals by UNICEF worth 19 million U.S. dollars.

Masunda said his the council has received the return of water and sewer management with a mixture of relief and trepidation.

He said the council would welcome back its 1,400 workers it had seconded to Zinwa and would accommodate them at their original workstations.
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