Matabeleland South Senator Nonhlanhla Mlotshwa has urged the Minister of Finance, Professor Mthuli Ncube, to channel devolution funds towards water sources in the drought-stricken province.
“We do not have water sources, we do not have dams,” Mlotshwa declared, highlighting the dire situation. “Dubangwe Dam is underutilised, and our irrigation schemes are insufficient.” She pointed to the recent livestock losses due to water scarcity, emphasising the impact on Matabeleland South’s cattle ranching economy.
Her concerns extend beyond her province. “This is not just Matabeleland South,” Mlotshwa stated, acknowledging the water woes across Matabeleland.
“Bulawayo relies on a dwindling Mzingwane Dam, and even Matabeleland North suffers from livestock deaths.”
Mlotshwa also called for piped water systems in the province.
“As for the dam which is in Matopo, if you have this mantra of having an upper-middle class economy, why do we have to fetch water from the dam? You should have piped water so that we can have a developed lifestyle in Matabeleland,” said Mlotshwa.
“As for now, there was not enough water, the dams were full of mud. We are asking you, Minister, to attend to the water issue in Matabeleland South.”
Professor Ncube acknowledged the water challenges faced by the country.
“We have in this budget, a borehole drilling programme of 35 000 boreholes. Of course, we cannot do it in one year. In fact, I worked it out that we are targeting to import 80 drilling rigs, where 35 000 villages will benefit. If each rig is doing about two boreholes a week to get water, it is going to take us about four years to drill these boreholes. So, expect this to be a multi-year programme,” he said.
The Senator also complained about the poor state of the road in Matopo.
“The road which goes to the game park is in a bad state, there are a lot of potholes. You cannot drive on that road. May you look into that issue so that cars that are coming from South Africa and Botswana can pass through Matopo to Bulawayo,” she said.
In response, the finance minister acknowledged the poor condition of the road, suggesting a public-private partnership with tolling as a potential solution.
