Matebeleland South senator raps govt over Bulawayo water crisis

Matebeleland South Senator Sithembile Mlotshwa has accused the government of lacking the political will to address the ongoing water crisis in Bulawayo, which is grappling with its worst water shortages in years.

Speaking during a Senate session last week, Mlotshwa expressed her frustration over the government's failure to find a lasting solution to the city's persistent water challenges, despite the dire situation. She noted that the city's water supply was dwindling, with Umzingwane and Upper Ncema dams already decommissioned due to critically low water levels.

"Bulawayo has been struggling with water shortages for years, and yet, there is still no concerted effort to address the root causes of the crisis. The failure to prioritize infrastructure development to preserve water in this region is a glaring example of the government's lack of political will," Mlotshwa said.

As of October 2 this year, the city was left with just four operational dams: Insiza, Inyankuni, Lower Ncema, and Mtshabezi, with an overall dam capacity of only 28.16%. This comes after the decommissioning of Upper Ncema last month when its water levels fell to a mere 2.03%, rendering it unusable. Umzingwane Dam, similarly, was decommissioned last year after its water levels dropped to 2.14%.

Mlotshwa emphasized that the southern region of the country, known for its dry climate, had always faced challenges with water scarcity. However, she said the government's failure to develop infrastructure that could safeguard the region's limited water resources further exposed the government's indifference to the issue.

"The infrastructure development that we frequently read about in newspapers remains largely theoretical for many of our communities. We need to see practical solutions that address the water challenges that affect us all," she added.

Mlotshwa also referred to the Matabeleland Zambezi Water Project, which was initially proposed as a long-term solution to Bulawayo's water crisis. Despite being promised as a critical project by the government ahead of the August 2023 elections, the project remains behind schedule. Originally slated for completion by the end of 2023, the completion date has now been pushed to December 2026.

The government's reluctance to declare Bulawayo a "water crisis area" has hindered the city's ability to mobilize resources for short- to medium-term water solutions, Mlotshwa noted. She argued that declaring the city a crisis zone would allow the local authority to secure the necessary resources to alleviate the current water shortages.

"We need the government to engage with our communities, listen to their concerns, and ensure that the policies we implement address both the symptoms and the root causes of the water crisis," she said.

Mlotshwa also highlighted the underutilization of natural resources in the southern region, particularly minerals, which she argued have not been harnessed to benefit local communities. "Our minerals should be a source of wealth for all citizens, but in reality, they have become a catalyst for conflict and inequality," she said.

She called for greater collaboration across party lines to ensure that natural wealth, including minerals, becomes a unifying force to drive the country towards prosperity.

The senator's remarks have sparked renewed calls for urgent action to address the worsening water crisis in Bulawayo and the southern region, where residents continue to suffer from inadequate water supply.