BULAWAYO – The Bulawayo City Council (BCC) on Monday set up a water crisis committee whose main objective is to assist in alleviating the city’s endless water challenges.
Residents continue to endure a punishing water rationing schedule which has seen some suburbs go for weeks without tap water.
City Hall authorities have attributed the crisis to heightened power outages which have affected the city’s pump stations, coupled with low dam levels, a perennial challenge in Zimbabwe’s second largest city.
The newly formed committee, which comprises various stakeholders, will be tasked with monitoring the water crisis, recommending possible solutions and contribution of material, finances and expertise towards the management of the crisis.
Addressing stakeholders at the water crisis meeting, BCC acting director of engineering services Engineer Sikhumbuzo Ncube said the water crisis committee was being reconstituted to complement council’s efforts in addressing the water challenges.
He said council had four bowsers which are active in augmenting water supplies and efforts were underway to engage donors for the rehabilitation of 100 to 150 boreholes in the next two to three weeks.
Ncube added, “Disinfection and repair work of existing water kiosks is set to begin this week in preparation for decanting in order to improve water accessibility.
“Re-activation on the 27th of March 2023 of the water crisis committee and joint mobilisation of resources to improve water and sanitisation in most affected areas.”
Stakeholders at the meeting implored city council to consider engaging the business community to assist with resources, investing in solar systems as an alternative source of power and taking full ownership of the Bulawayo Power Station.
Health experts have also called on the council to address the water crisis as some desperate residents are forced to resort to unprotected water sources risking contracting waterborne diseases.
