Pumula South Residents Appeal for Improved Water Supply

Pumula South Residents Appeal for Improved Water Supply and Support

Pumula South residents are calling on the Bulawayo City Council (BCC) to address the severe water shortages they face and ensure equitable access to this vital resource following 10 days without a single drop of water.

In an interview with Thembelani Dube, Vice Chairperson of the Bulawayo Residents Progressive Association, the concerns and appeals of the affected community were brought to light.

Residents living uphill in Pumula South have been disproportionately impacted by water shedding, enduring days or even weeks without access to clean water. The community is now urging the BCC to open the valves fully during water distribution periods to ensure that all residents can benefit from the limited water supply.

David Coltart has made a clarion call to address the water crisis in Bulawayo emphasising potentially catastrophic drought caused by El Nino.

Water Equity

“It is crucial for the BCC to consider the uphill residents and open the valves fully to ensure equitable distribution of water,” Dube emphasized. “These residents have been severely affected by the ongoing water shortages and deserve to have their needs addressed.”

Furthermore, Pumula South residents are appealing for additional boreholes to be drilled, particularly in areas that consistently experience water scarcity. By increasing the number of boreholes in these regions, the community hopes to alleviate the pressure on the existing water supply infrastructure and provide a more reliable source of water for affected households.

Dube stressed the importance of prompt action, stating, “The drilling of more boreholes in Pumula South is crucial to ensure that residents in these high-need areas have access to water. It is imperative that the BCC takes immediate steps to address this pressing issue.”

Bowser Support

In addition to increased boreholes, residents are also advocating for regular visits from water bowsers to cater to households that do not receive water or face prolonged shortages. The provision of water through bowsers would serve as a temporary solution while more permanent measures are implemented to improve the water supply infrastructure in Pumula South.

“The frequent visits of water bowsers are essential to provide temporary relief to households that are currently without access to water,” Dube explained. “These bowsers would bridge the gap until long-term solutions are put in place.”

Commenting on the prolonged water crisis plaguing residents of Pumula North, Ward 17 Councillor Sikhululekile Moyo acknowledged the residents’ plight and attributed the shortage to a faulty transformer, hindering the Bulawayo City Council’s efforts to restore water supply promptly.

Water Conservation

The Councillor urged residents to unite in conserving the scarce water resources, emphasising the importance of equitable distribution and prudent usage during these challenging times.

The appeals from Pumula South residents highlight the urgent need for the BCC to take proactive steps in addressing the water challenges faced by the community. As the situation persists, it is imperative that the council works towards equitable water distribution, drilling additional boreholes, and ensuring regular visits from water bowsers to support affected households.

Efforts to prioritise the needs of Pumula South residents will not only alleviate their immediate hardships but also demonstrate the council’s commitment to providing essential services to all areas of Bulawayo. By working collaboratively with the community, the BCC can forge a path towards a more sustainable and reliable water supply for Pumula South and its residents.