Water Woes Continues as Dam Levels Plummet

Bulawayo water woes continue as dam levels have plummeted to a mere 35% capacity, far below the typical 70% levels expected at this time of year.

The crisis, exacerbated by a devastating combination of climate change and environmental degradation, was revealed by Bulawayo Mayor David Coltart during the launch of the city’s new Youth Climate Action Fund on May 24.

“This was one of the worst rainy seasons we have experienced in many, many years,” Coltart told the assembled crowd of young people.

Driest February Ever

He added, “I’m an old man now, I’m 66. I came to the city in 1961. I cannot remember a February like the experience. In fact, the records throughout Southern Africa are that February was the driest and hottest February ever.”

That lack of rainfall has had a devastating impact on the city’s water supply. As Coltart explained, Bulawayo’s dams are currently sitting at just 35% capacity, a stark contrast to the typical 70% levels the city would expect at this time of year, even after a poor rainy season.

“As I speak today, our dams are sitting at 35% capacity at this time of year. After even a good rainy season, we would hope that they would be at about 70%, but they are sitting at 35%,” Coltart said.

Devastating Impact

The Mayor added, “That situation of lack of rainfall has been made all the worse because of what we have allowed to happen in our nation in the last 20 years or so.”

The Mayor went on to explain that the rapid expansion of illegal gold mining operations in the rivers and streams feeding Bulawayo’s dams has had a devastating impact on the city’s water supply.

“Just south of here, between the city and Esigodini, we have most of our six dams, and virtually all of the river courses leading to those dams have been badly affected by gold panning,” Coltart said.

Destroyed Rivers

He further mentioned, “And that, the gold panning, for reasons I understand, I’m very sympathetic towards young people. Of course, you need an income, you need employment, you need a future. But because of the gold panning that has taken place in those rivers, our rivers have been destroyed. And so even when it rains, the water doesn’t get to our dams.”

The water crisis has had a severe impact on Bulawayo’s residents, with many now receiving water service for only one day a week, if that.

“Most of you, I’m sure, are getting at best water one day a week, if that. Some of you are even worse off than that,” Coltart said. “That is a reflection of our damage.”

Empowering Youths

The mayor’s dire warning came as he announced the launch of the city’s new Youth Climate Action Fund, an initiative aimed at empowering young people to take the lead in addressing the impacts of climate change in Bulawayo.

“This is a very exciting project,” Coltart said. “We are one of the few cities in Africa, one of the few cities in the world, to be granted this. I also need to tell you that we are working very closely with Bloomberg in a number of other ways.”

The Youth Climate Action Fund is part of a broader effort by the city to combat the effects of climate change and environmental degradation, which have played a significant role in the current water crisis.

Active Engagement

As Coltart emphasised, addressing these challenges will require the active engagement and leadership of Bulawayo’s youth.

He said, “Young people, it is so good to be with you this afternoon,” he said. “This is a very exciting project. I want to tell you the genesis of this.”