By Ndumiso Tshuma
Residents of Pumula North in Bulawayo have criticised the city council for demanding payment of water rates despite enduring weeks without a consistent water supply.
The residents say they have gone for several weeks without running water, raising concerns about being charged for a service they are not receiving.
Mehluli Moyo, a resident, said the Bulawayo City Council (BCC) continued to charge them water rates even though water had not flowed from their taps for over a month.
“Why are we expected to pay for water when none is coming to us? It has now been six weeks without any water. Last year was even worse — we went for six months without water — yet the council still demanded payment,” Moyo said.
The issue was raised during a BCC consultation meeting held on Wednesday at Pumula North Hall, where officials engaged residents on the proposed formation of a new water utility.
Another resident, Sifiso Mtemeli, complained about faulty water meters, saying his had not been working for years.
“Our water meter has not been functional for the past four years. We have reported this to the council several times, but no action has been taken. Instead, we are told to pay for the repairs, which we simply cannot afford. Why can’t the council use the money we pay in rates to fix these issues?” asked Mtemeli.
Fellow resident Mandla Ncube questioned how council funds were being used, suggesting that revenue from the sale of residential stands could help address the suburb’s water problems.
“The council is selling residential stands for over US$6,000 each. Why can’t they use some of that money to repair broken water pipes instead of waiting for government approval for their budget?” said Ncube.
Ward 17 Councillor Sikhululekile Moyo explained that water bills were made up of several charges, not just water consumption.
“When a bill arrives, there is a charge based on the size of the property — for example, my 200 square metre property attracts a fee of US$4.96. There is also a flat rate of about US$2 for the water connection, whether water flows or not. In addition, there is a sewage charge for waste disposal and a refuse collection fee of US$8.90. Altogether, before actual water consumption charges are included, the bill already amounts to around US$20,” Councillor Moyo said.
Responding to the concerns, BCC engineer McDonald Funi blamed the water shortages on low dam levels and ageing infrastructure.
“Currently, water levels in all Bulawayo dams stand at just 48 percent, making it difficult for the council to supply all areas adequately. By the time water reaches Pumula North, pressure is significantly reduced due to the distance and low reservoir levels,” said Funi.
He added that burst pipes, caused by prolonged dry spells, had worsened the situation.
“Many pipes have burst due to going for long periods without water flow. Unfortunately, we currently lack the spare parts needed for repairs, but we have submitted a budget proposal to the government in the hope of securing funds to address these challenges,” he said.