HARARE – Bulawayo indefinitely cut water supply to its 650,000 residents starting on Sunday, citing “power challenges” that have affected its pumping capacity.
Bulawayo introduced a 48-hour weekly water shedding schedule earlier this year as it seeks to manage its water resources at its major supply dams which had very limited inflows during the last rain season.
The city says that programme will continue, but the latest pumping problems mean water supply has been indefinitely cut to all households, which will raise health concerns.
Town Clerk Christopher Dube said in a notice last Friday: “The City of Bulawayo would like to advise residents that there will be an emergency water shedding citywide on Sunday, June 30, from 7AM until the situation improves.
“This is due to challenges with the raw water pumping at Ncema Waterworks and Fernhill pump station due to power challenges. The city is currently working on raising the water levels in all reservoirs.”
Zimbabweans daily endure power cuts lasting up to 15 hours as power utility ZESA struggles to keep its old power stations working at full capacity. For residents of Bulawayo, for two full days in a week they might not have electricity and water, making life difficult.
