BCC seeks US$30 million for critical water projects

The Bulawayo City Council (BCC) is grappling with a critical funding gap of approximately US$30 million needed to undertake essential water augmentation projects. Topping the list of priorities is the rehabilitation of the Ncema and Fernhill clear water pump stations, requiring an estimated US$6.2 million.

In addition to the pump stations, the council is in dire need of US$2 million to complete crucial upgrades at the Aisleby Wastewater Works, specifically focusing on Plants 1 and 2. Another critical area is addressing the city's significant non-revenue water (NRW) losses, which currently account for a staggering 46 percent of Bulawayo's clean water supply. NRW includes water lost or unaccounted for due to factors such as pipe leaks, theft, evaporation, faulty meters, and inadequate data collection. These losses, borne by ratepayers, severely impact the efficiency and sustainability of the city's water supply.

Engineer Sikhumbuzo Ncube, the BCC Director of Water and Sanitation, emphasized the council's proactive approach to securing sustainable water resources. He highlighted that 46 percent of the city's clean water is lost due to leaks, bursts, and billing inaccuracies. To mitigate these losses, the council has allocated US$1 million for the replacement of aging infrastructure, specifically targeting areas prone to pipe bursts.

Furthermore, the Government has provided an additional US$1.5 million to support ongoing projects, including the rehabilitation of the Umzingwane and Inyankuni water sources, upgrades to Ncema's Bateman filters and dosing equipment, the Criterion bypass, and the vital Mtshabezi/Umzingwane interlinking pipeline.

The Ncema water treatment plant, with a capacity of 80 million litres per day, is currently operating below its potential due to filtration and clarification challenges. Addressing these issues requires significant investment, with an estimated US$3.5 million needed for the refurbishment of the plant's filters and the construction of sludge beds.

Engineer Ncube also stressed the importance of modernizing the city's metering system to improve operational efficiency and enhance revenue collection. Currently, only 33 meter readers serve a staggering 136,156 connections, leading to inaccurate billing estimates, customer disputes, and ultimately, revenue losses. To address this, the council has initiated a supplementary procurement process, inviting Expressions of Interest (EOI) from qualified suppliers for the citywide installation of prepaid and smart water meters.

"The metering system is affecting the city's revenue collection efforts and its ability to provide an efficient service to customers. The city council resolved to introduce prepaid and smart metering systems as a solution to the operational challenges being experienced," said Engineer Ncube.

The primary objective of the new metering system is to enhance accountability to customers, ensure accurate billing, and significantly improve revenue collection. Smart water meters offer several key advantages, including real-time monitoring of water consumption. This advanced technology allows for the immediate detection of abnormal usage patterns, such as leaks within a property or within the distribution system. By swiftly addressing these issues, the city can minimize water losses and optimize its water supply.

The BCC continues to seek urgent support from both local and national stakeholders to address the growing water infrastructure challenges. With an ongoing need for substantial investment, the council is committed to ensuring sustainable and efficient water management for the residents of Bulawayo.