Bulawayo requires about US$14.5 million to address critical water infrastructure problems, amid worsening shortages that have affected the city and surrounding communities for years.
This was revealed during the Matabeleland Water Indaba held in Bulawayo organised by the Bulawayo Progressive Residents Association (BPRA) on Thursday, where Bulawayo Mayor Senator David Coltart, represented by Councillor Aleck Ndlovu, said the city’s ageing water system has outlived its lifespan and urgently needs rehabilitation.
The indaba was held under the theme: Re-thinking Sustainable Water Strategies for Matabeleland.
“The Matabeleland Water Indaba is an important platform in our quest to find solutions to the water challenges affecting not just the City of Bulawayo, but the region as a whole,” said Coltart.
He said most of Bulawayo’s infrastructure was in a state of disrepair, contributing to water losses estimated at nearly half of the total supply.
“In the short term, the city requires approximately US$14.5 million to tackle infrastructure-related problems. This includes renewing water mains across the city, rehabilitating pumps, replacing over 1,000 non-functional meters, and repairing existing infrastructure, all aimed at reducing non-revenue water, which currently stands at 46 percent,” he said.
Coltart added that Bulawayo’s water challenges were compounded by erratic rainfall patterns. “Without a tropical cyclone, it is almost impossible for the city’s supply dams to fill up,” he said. “The last time our dams were full was in 2017.”
He outlined several initiatives to address both short and long-term water challenges. Medium-term measures include the privately-led construction of the Glass Block Bopoma Dam, while the long-term solution remains the completion of the Gwayi–Shangani Dam by central government.
“The common thread among these initiatives is the need for substantial funding. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity as we rethink sustainable water strategies that will benefit Bulawayo,” said Coltart.
He also revealed that the city was exploring the creation of a 100 percent council-owned water and sanitation utility to improve efficiency and unlock financing for infrastructure renewal.
“While it may be premature to share more details, the proposal seeks to unlock financial resources for infrastructure renewal, as the municipality is often viewed as a financial risk and struggles to attract the necessary funding for water and sanitation improvements,” he said.
Coltart said the city was also assessing the feasibility of using recycled water for industrial purposes to mitigate the effects of climate change. “With advancements in technology, perhaps the time has come for Bulawayo to embrace the use of recycled water,” he said.
Dr Gorden Moyo, Executive Director of the Public Policy and Research Institute of Zimbabwe (PPRIZ) , said the water crisis in Matabeleland reflected historical neglect.
“Matabeleland has been thirsty for too long and it needs to be quenched,” he said. “The government has been failing to solve this water problem since 1912. We must ensure that water is available, accessible, and affordable.”
Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Bulawayo Province Judith Ncube, represented by Norah Mupaza, said government alone cannot solve the crisis.
“Partnerships with local authorities, residents’ associations, the private sector, academia, and civil society are vital to ensure sustainable water management and equitable service delivery,” she said. “We must adopt a spirit of collaboration and shared accountability.”
Coltart commended the Indaba for fostering cooperation across sectors. “This platform moves us away from blaming each other to one that creates constructive engagement and focuses on finding lasting solutions,” he said.
The Matabeleland Water Indaba brought together government officials, civil society, researchers, and community representatives to develop strategies for addressing the region’s chronic water shortages and building resilient water systems in the face of climate change.
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