The Bulawayo City Council (BCC) is at odds with residents over the proposed introduction of a water utility system in the city.
Various residents’ representatives who attended a stakeholder meeting at the council chambers on Friday raised numerous concerns regarding the proposal.
The local authority asserts that the initiative aligns with the Zimbabwe National Water Policy (ZNWP), which aims to sustainably manage the country’s water resources.
However, residents have expressed dissatisfaction, accusing the council of lacking transparency and honesty. They argue that public consultations are being conducted hastily, raising suspicions about the council’s intentions.
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“What makes us skeptical about this issue is the urgency with which the city council is pushing it. Even the councilors we elected to represent us are not listening to our concerns. It feels like they have their own agenda,” one participant said.
Another attendee claimed that the local authority’s management and administration were attempting to “force” residents to accept the proposal simply because it originated from the government.
“The government is meant to serve the people. What they propose should not be imposed on us. There have been previous instances where the government tried to make us accept certain policies, but we stood our ground,” he said.
“The government once tried to impose ZNWA on Bulawayo, but we resisted. Now, you claim to be consulting residents about the water utility system, yet you are merely making us choose between public and private utilities.”
Another resident from Ward 10 questioned whether the proposed utility company would have the capacity to rehabilitate the city’s aging water infrastructure and improve service delivery.
Winos Dube, Chairperson of the Bulawayo Residents Association (BURA), criticized the council for failing to adequately inform the public about the project.
“What I want to clarify is that the council has not taken the time to educate people about this utility project. You cannot expect residents to support something they do not fully understand,” Dube said.
“People are skeptical and afraid. Too many promises have been broken with similar projects in the past. Take ZESA and Egodini, for example—missed deadlines and unfulfilled commitments. Educate the public first so they don’t reject initiatives that might actually benefit them.”
Town Clerk Christopher Dube acknowledged residents’ concerns but maintained that the project was above board and that the council was simply adhering to government regulations.
“The council is fulfilling its role as the third tier of government. This proposal aligns with national water policy. If we, as residents, do not present our own preferences to the government, they may impose a solution they consider suitable,” Dube said.
In response, the council resolved to establish a committee to document all discussions between residents and the local authority before making a final decision.
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