The water crisis in Bulawayo has resulted in residents experiencing erratic water supplies mainly due to power cuts. However, the Bulawayo City Council has come up with strategies to resolve the crisis. These strategies were revealed during the water crisis committee held on 27 March at the Small City Hall.
Emergency and Short-Term Strategies
Acting council director for Engineering Services, engineer Sikhumbuzo Ncube, outlined the city’s emergency, short-term and long-term strategies to ease the crisis. The city has increased water supply by using water bowsers since Friday 24 March. Four water bowsers are currently used to supply water to the most affected areas. However, the city requires two more water bowsers, bringing the total to six. The city is set to rehabilitate boreholes across the city within two to three weeks to improve water supplies while negotiations with donors are underway to make this possible. The disinfection and repair of existing water kiosks will begin this week to improve water accessibility. The water crisis committee will be reactivated, and resources mobilised jointly to improve water and sanitation in the most affected areas.
Re-introduction of 72-hour Water Shedding Program
The city plans to reintroduce the 72-hour per week water shedding program with improvements of power supply at Inyankuni, Umzingwane, Ncema, Fenhill and Criterion water treatment plant. Short-term strategies include commissioning of Lake Gwayi-Shangani, the construction of a 140MLD capacity pumping main from Cowdry Park, construction of the Criterion WTP By-Pass, refurbishment of the existing Insiza pipeline to improve hydraulic conveyance capacity, refurbishment of Umzingwane booster station and power supply facilities, and linking with an upgraded Mtshabezi pipe to improve raw water output. The upgrading of Inyankuni pipeline and booster station to increase output and setting up a solar plant at Ncema is also part of the short-term strategies.
Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Judith Ncube addresses a water crisis committee meeting at the Small City Hall in Bulawayo.
Long-Term Strategies
Under long-term strategies, the city plans to duplicate the Insiza raw water pipeline at an estimated cost of US 28 million dollars, upgrade Criterion water treatment plant, recycle wastewater at Khami Dam for secondary use, and decommission Ncema water treatment plant. The city’s supply dams have not filled up since 2017 when Cyclone Dineo hit Matabeleland South. Even without these power cuts, the city would still have to ration water because it does not have enough water in its dams.
Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Judith Ncube addressing stakeholders
In light of the crisis, Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Judith Ncube called for stakeholders in Bulawayo to work together to address the water problem and avert a health disaster. She urged the council to utilise devolution funds to drill boreholes and buy more bowsers to minimise the challenges before they get out of control.
Bulawayo water crisis meeting Mayor Solomon Mguni
Bulawayo Mayor Councillor Solomon Mguni at water crisis meeting
In response to Minister Ncube, Bulawayo Mayor Councillor Solomon Mguni revealed that they encountered challenges in getting devolution funds. However, they appreciate the suggestion and are willing to forward their list to the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works to have their procurement done from there.
Justice Zvaita commenting on possible solutions to water crisis
The Vice-Chairperson for NANGO Western Region and climate change activist, Justice Zvaita, suggested that the city adopt the use of a solar system to avoid power cuts and ease the water crisis. He emphasised the need to accept climate change’s impact and come u
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