Residents react to new water regime

Providence Moyo

Bulawayo residents have begrudgingly accepted the local authority’s decision o increase water shedding by 24 hours from 96 to 120 hours that was announced  by city Mayor, senator David Coltart on Thursday.

Coltart introduced the new water regime during a press briefing in the presence of all city councillors  and the town clerk Christopher Dube. 

Thamsanqa Ndlovu is a Bulawayo resident who believes the local authority’s extended water shedding schedule is necessary but mistimed. 

“This is unavoidable but council should have done this earlier to give residents water during the festive season.”

Chairperson of Bulawayo United Residents Association  (BURA) Winos Dube  said the development  is harsh for residents  in the city. 

“It is a harsh decision because we are bound to see long queues at alternative water points and all this is happening at a time when Zimbabwe is experiencing a worrying cholera spike. This poses a threat to residents in the city. The  water situation has been persistent for years without a sound solution and the Matabeleland Zambezi water pipeline project is long overdue, therefore, we  call for holistic approach and frantic efforts.  The water crisis has potential of chasing away investors which steals revenue generation because it is a challenge for any investor to channel their finances to a city without water.”

Bulawayo Progressive Residents Association (BPRA) Permanent Ngoma said the new measure taken by council is understandable as she called on the city to provide alternatives. 

“This is a result of climate change, 120 hour water shedding is not the best but we understand. As we are having this long water shedding may the city council avail alternative water sources that include kiosks on regular basis to ensure access to water.  There is need for action from both the local authority and the national government in provision of water to residents. This requires a stakeholder approach on educating the community on how to maintain safety against water borne diseases even during a water crisis.”

Matabeleland   Institute for Human Rights  director, Khumbulani Maphosa said the situation is a result of centralisation  of power. 

“The issue is an evidence  of centralisation  of power in Zimbabwe because the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA)  is entrusted with all the powers to help  provide adequate water nationally but they are  instead perpetuating shortage of water. BCC should be given the power over water and resources management. This 120 hours water shedding is the only survival mode that the local authority has at its disposal.

We have the Gwai-Shangani project whose deadlines have shifted several times and this gives the impression that the acute water crisis is set to continue. Bulawayo needs to be declared a water crisis area, which has been the plea of the local authority over the past decade but the government is yet to respond to that concern. When this concern is considered, resources should be given to city council not ZINWA”.

Maphosapleaded with residents to understand the need for the extended water shedding  hours as he lamented the local authority’s failure to manage the crisis as he said implementing such a decision  with immediate effect causes panic to residents but the local authority should have at least given notice prior to implementation.

Addressing members of the media Coltart said his administration is aware of the difficulties this development would bring to residents but has no other realistic option. 

“This is designed with particular concern that we are headed into the festive season where we are likely to have more people who are outside the country coming home for the holidays. We understand that this is going to cause immense hardship, especially to those in high-density suburbs. But after an intense meeting this afternoon, this council has unanimously resolved that we have no option but to increase the water-shedding hours. As a city, we have already written to the government, requesting a meeting with the Finance Minister, Water Minister and the Local Government Minister to address the issue and declare Bulawayo a water crisis city.”