City of Bulawayo Decommissions Upper Ncema Dam Amid Severe Water Crisis

The City of Bulawayo has decommissioned the Upper Ncema Dam, effective October 3, 2024, due to alarmingly low water levels which are now at 28.16% on average dam levels . This action follows the decommissioning of the Umzingwane Dam in November 2023, underscoring the city’s escalating water crisis.

According to the City’s press release, the Upper Ncema Dam has reached a non-operational level, with current water levels at a mere 2.03%.

“The decommissioning of the Upper Ncema Dam will exacerbate the City’s water supply challenges,” warned BCC Acting Town Clerk, Tennyson Mpunzi.

He emphasised the urgent need for residents to conserve water, stating, “Water is life. Save every drop!”

As of October 2, 2024, the water levels in other critical dams are also alarming. Insiza stands at 40.33%, Inyankuni at 18.07%, Lower Ncema at 21.46%, and Mtshabezi at 50.79%. The overall capacity across these dams is just 28.16%, raising significant concerns about the city’s future water supply.

The crisis stems from a prolonged drought that has significantly reduced water reserves. The Upper Ncema Dam, designed to support the Lower Ncema during dry seasons, had its gates opened prematurely on August 28, 2024, in a desperate bid to manage dwindling resources. The city’s reliance on these water sources has made the situation increasingly critical.

The municipal authorities are urging all residents to adopt immediate water conservation measures, emphasising the need for community collaboration in the face of this crisis.

“We must work together to ensure that every household understands the importance of saving water,” added Mpunzi.

This latest development is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities in Bulawayo’s water management system. As the situation unfolds, the City remains committed to finding solutions, but the immediate focus is on mitigating the impact of the water shortage on its residents.

As Bulawayo grapples with this dire reality, the call for action is clear, conserving water is no longer optional but essential for survival in the city facing one of its most significant water crises in recent history.