News / National
Bulawayo residents demand transparency on Dutch water utility deal
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Concerns are growing among Bulawayo residents over the involvement of the Dutch water utility company Vitens Evides International (VEI) in managing the city's water and sanitation services, with many calling for public consultations before any final decisions are made.
These concerns were raised at a Water Financing Indaba organized by the Matabeleland Institute for Human Rights (MIHR) and the Bulawayo Water Assembly (BUWA) on Wednesday. The meeting brought together residents who expressed frustration over the lack of official communication from Bulawayo City Council (BCC) regarding VEI's role in the city's water management.
Khethiwe Tshuma, a resident of Entumbane, voiced her frustration, saying that she and other residents had only heard about VEI through rumors circulating on social media. "The way this utility company came into the picture is flawed. As residents, we've only heard about it through social media rumors. We were expecting councillors or BCC officials to consult us and gather our views, but so far, nothing has been officially communicated," Tshuma said.
She questioned whether VEI would offer any improvements over the current water department, adding, "What can this company do that the BCC water department hasn't done? If the same department will run the utility, where's the difference? This seems like another TTI," referencing past privatization efforts that many residents felt were unsuccessful.
Other residents raised concerns about how funds earmarked for outsourcing the water services could be better spent improving the city's existing water infrastructure. "If money is the issue, why can't it be channeled directly to BCC for improvements?" one resident asked, adding that councillors needed to do a better job of communicating with their constituents.
"There's a void in communication. Are the councillors we elected aware of this process? They should be the ones informing us," the resident continued, calling for more transparency in the discussions about privatizing water services.
Some residents also voiced skepticism about VEI's ability to address the city's ongoing water scarcity. "We need water, not technical management of water. If VEI is not bringing new infrastructure like dams, then what's the point? We already have qualified engineers," one resident remarked.
Additionally, there were concerns that the privatization of water services could lead to failures similar to those seen in other sectors, such as the privatization of Ingwebu Breweries and City Towers. "We've seen what happened with Ingwebu and City Towers after privatization—they disappeared. TTI is another example. Now it's water, and soon it'll be clinics. What's next, privatising residents?" one concerned individual asked.
Despite some opposition, not all residents were entirely against VEI's involvement. "We'll accept it if it benefits us, but for now, we're saying no," said one resident, who also called for direct consultations between VEI and the public to ensure transparency.
Ward 17 Councillor Sikhululekile Moyo admitted that the issue had been mishandled, acknowledging that public consultations should have been prioritized. "There was confusion in the media, and we said the issue of the utility should be paused. Residents didn't have water, yet we were discussing privatisation, which they didn't understand. We parked the issue to start over," she said.
Moyo also expressed disappointment that neither BCC management nor VEI had arranged public consultations as requested. "We represent the residents, and management hasn't done what we asked. Together with VEI, we need to prepare for consultations and meet residents ward by ward," Moyo added.
VEI Project Manager Robson Manatsa reassured the stakeholders that consultations would take place. "Councillors are the shareholders and remain in control of this entity. There's no way they won't be part of the process," he said, stressing that VEI was committed to engaging with residents and addressing their concerns.
As the debate continues, residents remain eager for answers and transparency regarding the future of Bulawayo's water services.
These concerns were raised at a Water Financing Indaba organized by the Matabeleland Institute for Human Rights (MIHR) and the Bulawayo Water Assembly (BUWA) on Wednesday. The meeting brought together residents who expressed frustration over the lack of official communication from Bulawayo City Council (BCC) regarding VEI's role in the city's water management.
Khethiwe Tshuma, a resident of Entumbane, voiced her frustration, saying that she and other residents had only heard about VEI through rumors circulating on social media. "The way this utility company came into the picture is flawed. As residents, we've only heard about it through social media rumors. We were expecting councillors or BCC officials to consult us and gather our views, but so far, nothing has been officially communicated," Tshuma said.
She questioned whether VEI would offer any improvements over the current water department, adding, "What can this company do that the BCC water department hasn't done? If the same department will run the utility, where's the difference? This seems like another TTI," referencing past privatization efforts that many residents felt were unsuccessful.
Other residents raised concerns about how funds earmarked for outsourcing the water services could be better spent improving the city's existing water infrastructure. "If money is the issue, why can't it be channeled directly to BCC for improvements?" one resident asked, adding that councillors needed to do a better job of communicating with their constituents.
"There's a void in communication. Are the councillors we elected aware of this process? They should be the ones informing us," the resident continued, calling for more transparency in the discussions about privatizing water services.
Additionally, there were concerns that the privatization of water services could lead to failures similar to those seen in other sectors, such as the privatization of Ingwebu Breweries and City Towers. "We've seen what happened with Ingwebu and City Towers after privatization—they disappeared. TTI is another example. Now it's water, and soon it'll be clinics. What's next, privatising residents?" one concerned individual asked.
Despite some opposition, not all residents were entirely against VEI's involvement. "We'll accept it if it benefits us, but for now, we're saying no," said one resident, who also called for direct consultations between VEI and the public to ensure transparency.
Ward 17 Councillor Sikhululekile Moyo admitted that the issue had been mishandled, acknowledging that public consultations should have been prioritized. "There was confusion in the media, and we said the issue of the utility should be paused. Residents didn't have water, yet we were discussing privatisation, which they didn't understand. We parked the issue to start over," she said.
Moyo also expressed disappointment that neither BCC management nor VEI had arranged public consultations as requested. "We represent the residents, and management hasn't done what we asked. Together with VEI, we need to prepare for consultations and meet residents ward by ward," Moyo added.
VEI Project Manager Robson Manatsa reassured the stakeholders that consultations would take place. "Councillors are the shareholders and remain in control of this entity. There's no way they won't be part of the process," he said, stressing that VEI was committed to engaging with residents and addressing their concerns.
As the debate continues, residents remain eager for answers and transparency regarding the future of Bulawayo's water services.
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