By Ndumiso Tshuma
Local residents have strongly opposed the Bulawayo City Council (BCC) โs proposal to introduce a water utility, citing concerns over transparency, community representation, and potential financial mismanagement.
During a feedback meeting held at the City Council Chambers on Wednesday, residents expressed frustration over the decision-making process, accusing the council of sidelining their voices in critical discussions.
READ: https://cite.org.zw/bcc-pushes-for-water-utility-to-counter-privatisation/
Entumbane resident Khethiwe Tshuma criticised the councilโs history of unilateral decision-making, saying residents were often excluded from consultations.
โThey make serious decisions themselves without consulting us,โ she said. โWe cannot bank on BCCโs consultation because they end up doing things in their own way.โ
The proposal aims to establish an independent water management body, but many fear it could mirror past failed utility models.
READ:https://cite.org.zw/bcc-residents-at-loggerheads-over-proposed-water-utility/
Some residents questioned whether the new utility would genuinely serve the public or primarily benefit a select few.
โIf we look at Ingwebu, it is now a utility owned by a few,โ said Thamsanqa Ndlovu. โIt sounds like only one person or a small group is benefiting. Why canโt the city council employ professional workers who donโt engage in corrupt practices?โ
Others raised concerns over potential job losses for council employees.
โIf we introduce this water utility, that means council members donโt have employment anymore,โ said Praise Ncube from Pumula South. โWe elect council members to represent our needs. What happens if only a few individuals are picked to run this utility? How will we be represented? We need improved service delivery for the people.โ
BCC officials defended the plan, arguing that it would bring investment and improve water service efficiency.
โThe introduction of a utility will not only attract investment but also upgrade ageing wastewater systems,โ said Acting Director of Water and Sanitation, Engineer Kwanele Sibanda. โMore efficient and reliable water sanitation management will be implemented if residents agree to this proposal.โ
Dr. Edwin Mzingwane Sibanda, BCCโs Director of Health, defended the hiring of a Dutch company Vitens Evides International (VIE), as a consultant, highlighting past successes of foreign partnerships, pointing to VIE, which helped establish 1,816 sewer connections in Cowdray Park by December 2022.
โWe have approached VIE for assistance. So far, the servicing of Phase 1 in Cowdray Park has been completed, with water connections for 5,868 households,โ said Dr. Sibanda. โPhase 2 is ongoing, and once completed, we will move on to other areas.โ
