Poultry farmers in Bulawayo struggle to keep their businesses afloat due to water and power crises
Water and power crises have hit the poultry business negatively, particularly broiler chicken farming in Bulawayo. These crises in Bulawayo have been a long-standing issue that has been affecting the city’s residents and businesses.
The situation has become so dire that poultry farmers are struggling to keep their businesses afloat as they face a shortage of water and electricity. The lack of water has led to a decrease in the production of broiler chickens, which has resulted in the loss of capital.
In an interview with a New Lobengula resident who runs a poultry business, she said, “We were hoping to make a good profit during the Christmas festive season, but the water crisis and power cuts have made it impossible for us to do so. We are struggling to keep our business afloat, and we don’t know how much longer we can continue like this.”
Vandalism Crisis
Minister of State for Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution funds, Judith Ncube on the side-lines of Bulawayo Provincial Capacity Strengthening and Strategic Plan Review Meeting said that the water crisis is a result of vandalism of infrastructure.
Ncube made recommendations to have security services guarding the water infrastructure to prevent vandalism and destruction of the infrastructure that has been put in place.
Solutions Needed
Minister Ncube said, “We need to put our heads together as Bulawayo and come up with a way of protecting our property. We need a sense of ownership instilled in the people.”
According to another Nguboyenja broiler rarer, Nothando Mangena the blackouts and water shortages have slowed down the growth of the chicks, leading to a decrease in production.
She said, “The poultry industry is a 24-hour-a-day activity, and we depend on a reliable supply of electricity and water. So this means the chickens instead of starting to sell them at six weeks we sell them at eight weeks.”
The lack of electricity has led to a decrease in the production of broiler chickens, which has resulted in a shortage of supply.
Pivoting
Speaking to another Woodville poultry farmer, Moyo who hatches chicks for resell, his business had been affected until he altered to use of solar energy.
“I used to hatch my chicks using electricity however one day I was very disappointed when the power cuts suddenly started. I lost 60 eggs which became stale after having two days of power blackouts,” said Moyo.
In conclusion, the water crisis and power cuts in Bulawayo are having a devastating effect on the poultry industry, particularly broiler chicken farming. The situation has become so dire that poultry farmers are struggling to keep their businesses afloat.
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