Zimbabwean capital grapples with water shortage

After food, fuel, medicine and electricity, the Zimbabwean capital Harare is adding running water to its list of basics that are in short supply.

The city's sole waterworks on Monday had to suspend distribution as it lacked the cash to buy imported water treatment chemicals.

The crisis eased a little on Tuesday.

"Harare City Council has found contingent supplies of chemicals to resume water production. The suppliers of the chemicals have been paid," the city's acting mayor, Enock Mupamawonde, told reporters.

Additional chemicals have also been acquired in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe's second city, he said.

The Morton Jaffray Water Treatment Works, built more than 60 years ago, is subject to regular breakdowns, and loses about 55 per cent of treated water through leakage.

However, the chemicals will only offer temporary relief as they will last a mere seven days.

Mupamawonde said more chemicals were expected, "The chemicals are on trucks on the South African side at Beit Bridge border post."