Bulawayo’s Water Crisis Driving Away Investors and Residents, Council Report Warns

BULAWAYO - A new council report has revealed that Bulawayo’s persistent water shortages are forcing businesses and residents to relocate, raising alarm over the city’s economic future and infrastructure neglect.


The report from the Future Water Supplies and Water Action Committee highlights growing concern among city councillors, who say the crisis is undermining investment and development. Councillor Tamani Moyo warned that the water shortage has led to business closures and population migration, urging the government to urgently allocate US$900,000 to upgrade the city’s water infrastructure.

Residents in areas such as Makokoba have reportedly gone more than five days without water, while other suburbs have endured dry taps for weeks. Councillor Aleck Ndlovu noted that Bulawayo’s expansion through new residential stands has increased demand, yet the city remains neglected in terms of bulk water provision.

“The city has normalised the abnormality of going a week without water,” Ndlovu said, calling for prioritisation of the Gwayi-Shangani Dam project.

Councillor Donaldson Mabuto echoed the call for government intervention, urging Treasury to fund water delivery systems and proposing that the council engage the Head of State directly to resolve the crisis.

Councillor Felix Madzana added that the issue is not a lack of water in dams, but pumping challenges caused by electricity shortages. He recommended government support for powering pumping stations.

Mayor David Coltart described Bulawayo as the only city in Zimbabwe facing raw water inadequacy. He outlined short-term goals including upgrades to the Ncema Pump Station and pipelines connecting Ncema, Tuli, Insiza, Mtshabezi, and Mzingwane. He also cited delays in implementing a solar energy contract for Mtshabezi and proposed the construction of Glassblock Dam as a medium-term solution.

Coltart acknowledged that while building the Gwayi-Shangani Dam may be feasible, laying the 450km pipeline to Bulawayo remains a major challenge.

Committee Chairperson Councillor Khalazani Ndlovu pleaded for funding to repair aging water pipes, which he said would help reduce shortages.

The council ultimately resolved to adopt the committee’s recommendations, signaling a renewed push for multi-stakeholder engagement and national support to address Bulawayo’s deepening water crisis.