GOVERNMENT departments, businesses and educational institutions in Gwanda yesterday resolved to shut down, fearing a disease outbreak after Zinwa cut off water supply to the town.

The move came as Government has set up a seven-member commission of inquiry on the capacity of Gwanda and Beitbridge town councils’ capacity to take over water and waste water management from Zinwa.

The resolution to bring Gwanda to a standstill was made at an all stakeholders meeting held at the council chambers chaired by the mayor, Councillor Knowledge Ndlovu yesterday.

The stakeholders resolved that the environment was no longer conducive to continue operating. Stakeholders expressed anger at the way the water situation in Gwanda was being administered.

They resolved to shut down business in Gwanda as it has become a health time bomb to continue working. All departments agreed they would inform their head offices about the shutdown.

Meanwhile, a seven-member commission appointed by the Minister of Environment, Water and Climate, Cde Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri to investigate Gwanda Town Council’s capacity to run the water and waste water management system, will begin work on Monday next week.