SHELMA SIBANDA
The once-vibrant city of Bulawayo now grapples with an acute water crisis that has left its residents parched and desperate. As the taps run dry, residents face immense challenges, and the authorities are under mounting pressure to find solutions.
Bulawayo Mayor Senator David Coltart has reiterated the construction of the Glass Block Dam as a top-priority medium-term solution to Bulawayo water crisis while emphasising the urgency of meeting the city’s growing water demands amidst a nationwide climate crisis.
According to the latest full council minutes, Coltart, in his opening remarks, drew attention to the gravity of the situation, stating, “We are in the midst of a climate crisis, and addressing the water scarcity plaguing our city has become our topmost priority.”
Coltart also acknowledged that significant strides had been made in the construction of the Glassblock dam, with the government agreeing to collaborate on the project. Recognizing its critical importance in tackling the water crisis, he reiterated full support for the construction of the Glassblock dam as the city’s top priority.
“He commended the government on the progress made on Gwayi/Shangani and acknowledged the project as a viable long-term solution. He expressed Council’s support of the Gwayi/Shangani project, however he pointed out that the project should not stop the construction of Glass Block dam. The construction of Glass Block dam was Council’s number one priority,” read the minutes.
To achieve this, the city urgently required a substantial investment of USD 14 million. These funds would be allocated towards optimising the Nyamandlovu Aquifer and the Mtshabezi pipeline to Umzingwane, enabling them to operate at full capacity. Furthermore, pump stations at Umzingwane and Nyakuni would be upgraded to maximise water extraction from the three remaining dams: Insiza, Nyakuni, and Mishabezi.
Extensive discussions had taken place between the Council, the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development, and a Technical Committee formed by the government. These meetings were focused on formulating short, medium, and long-term strategies to ensure an adequate water supply for Bulawayo.
According to the minutes the mayor informed the Council that the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development had directed the Technical Committee to conduct a swift survey of the city’s water reserves. The report resulting from this survey was of utmost importance, as it could potentially lead to a declaration of the city as a water shortage area, requiring private sector involvement.
The minutes read, “He reported that the Minister of Lands. Agriculture, Fishers, Water and Rural Development had directed the Technical Committee to conduct an immediate survey of the water holdings in the city to form a basis of how much water the city needed. The report was crucial in declaring the city a water shortage area and that would open doors for other private players.”
Last month on March 7, 2024, the Mayor met with the Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Winston Chitando.
Speaking to the media after meeting with the mayor on 7 March, Chitando assured the government’s full support to the city of Bulawayo to alleviate the water crisis.
“The Government’s continuous concern demonstrates its seriousness with which it takes the water supply situation in Bulawayo,” he said.
Minister Chitando also highlighted that Council plans to complete the Glass Block project by 2027, with potential private funding and there are technical and finance committees that will report by April.
According to a technical report from the council, the dam is expected to increase the inflows of water to Bulawayo by 70 percent. This will require a 32 km pipeline to pump water from the dam to Ncema whose pumping system also needs to be rehabilitated.
With Bulawayo in dire need of a sustainable water supply, the Council and relevant authorities are taking decisive action to secure the necessary funds and implement effective measures. Ensuring access to clean and reliable water for the residents of Bulawayo remains a paramount concern.
