Bulawayo Mayor Coltart Issues Stark Warnings Against Water Theft
Bulawayo Mayor, David Coltart has warned commercial enterprises illegally syphoning water during a crucial meeting at City Hall on August 28. With dam levels plummeting to just 30%, Coltart emphasised the serious implications of these thefts on the city’s already strained water supply.
“Commercial enterprises are maliciously interfering with our water delivery systems,” Coltart stated, condemning those who break valves to extract water into large tanks for resale.
He added, “This is criminal conduct. We will prosecute those involved to the fullest extent of the law,” he warned, highlighting the city’s commitment to holding offenders accountable.
The mayor urged residents to play an active role in combating water theft saying, “If you see people illegally taking water, please get your phone out, photograph it, and send it to the city as soon as possible,” he instructed the audience.
“We want the full force of the law to be brought against you and your companies,” he reiterated, underscoring the severity of the situation.
Coltart’s remarks came amid growing concerns over Bulawayo’s water crisis, exacerbated by a combination of factors including population growth, climate change, and environmental degradation.
“As we see new homes being built and the expansion of Country Park, our water supply has gone down. This is a fact we must understand,” he explained.
He further elaborated on the impact of climate change, noting significant reductions in rainfall and unprecedented evaporation rates. “We have all experienced one of the hottest winters we have ever had,” he said, adding that these conditions have severely affected the city’s water resources.
The mayor also referenced a recent report detailing the devastation of vital water catchment areas due to illegal gold panning activities.
“If we have simply a moderate season, the water will not get to our dams,” he cautioned, emphasising the dire state of the city’s water supply.
Coltart acknowledged the challenges faced by the city’s water delivery system, which has been subjected to undue pressure from frequent pump operations, leading to significant leakages.
“Our engineering team has had to make difficult decisions,” he noted, revealing that they had to release water from Upper Nema to Lower Nema two months earlier than planned.
“Engineering Ncube has advised us that we have to release water earlier than we had planned. This is an indication of the gravity of the crisis,” Coltart explained.
Despite the challenges, the mayor called for community cooperation, urging residents to conserve water.
“Please save water wherever you can. We understand that we are on lengthy water shedding, which is already causing huge suffering to so many people in our city,” he said.
Coltart concluded by expressing his confidence in the engineering team’s efforts amidst the unprecedented challenges.
“They are working under unbelievable pressure,” he stated, reaffirming the importance of community support in navigating the crisis.
As Bulawayo faces this critical situation, residents are reminded of their role in reporting illegal activities and conserving water. The mayor’s strong stance against water theft serves as a clear warning to those who would exploit the city’s resources during these trying times.
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