Bulawayo residents oppose privatization of water and sanitation services
ProvidenceMoyo
A coalition of civic organizations in Bulawayo has strongly denounced the local authority’s plans to establish a private water and sanitation utility in partnership with a Dutch company.
In a joint statement, the Bulawayo Progressive Residents Association (BPRA), Public Policy and Research Institute of Zimbabwe (PPRIZ), National Youth Development Trust (NYDT), and Habakkuk Trust expressed their concerns about the potential consequences of such a move.The organizations argue that the privatization of water and sanitation services would undermine the rights of residents and stakeholders, disproportionately affect low-income households, and compromise the quality of service delivery. They also highlight the lack of transparency in the selection process for the Dutch company and the potential for increased costs and reduced accountability.
“This is a clear move towards the privatization of water, which directly infringes with Section 77 of the Zimbabwean Constitution that provides that every person has the right to clean, safe and potable water water,” the statement highlighted, further sharing that,
“We believe that decisions concerning our city’s essential resources should be made by those who understand the unique needs of our community, not by distant corporate entities focused on profit.”
The coalition also raised concerns about the financial implications of setting up a private utility, the potential for job losses, and the risk of reintroducing prepaid water meters. They emphasized the need for transparency, accountability, and public consultation before any such changes are implemented.
“We will not hesitate to take whatever action necessary to stop this impish behavior which undermines the value of the residents and stakeholders of the city of Bulawayo who are the rightful owners of the City of Bulawayo,” the statement concluded.
