Byo water woes deepen as shedding schedule suspended
Mbekezeli Ncube
Bulawayo residents face renewed water woes as the Bulawayo City Council (BCC) announces the suspension of the 120-hour water shedding schedule due to a malfunction at Ncema Pump Station. This unexpected development adds another layer of frustration to the city’s ongoing battle with water insecurity.
“The City of Bulawayo would like to advise members of the public of water supply interruptions and suspension of the 120-hour water shedding programme to all city areas except Industry and the Central Business District (CBD),” stated Town Clerk Christopher Dube. He continued, “This is due to reduced raw water pumping to the City as a result of a fault which occurred at Ncema Pump Station, resulting in reduction of treated water production.”
The BCC’s decision, aimed at preventing “reservoirs from collapsing due to reduction in raw water deliveries and treatment,” has resulted in an immediate cut-off of water supply in all residential areas except for industry and the CBD. This news comes at a time when Mayor David Coltart has expressed concerns about the city’s critically low dam levels, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
Dube offered an apology “to all affected parties due to this development,” acknowledging the disruption this unexpected turn of events will bring to residents’ daily lives. However, the uncertainty regarding the duration of the interruption and its impact on future water rationing schedules remains a source of anxiety for many.
The city’s story serves as a stark reminder of the need for investment in water infrastructure upgrades, exploration of alternative water sources, and the implementation of sustainable water management practices. While the BCC works to address the technical issue at Ncema Pump Station, the city’s long-term water security remains a pressing concern that demands collective action and innovative solutions.
