News / National
Vandalism hits Nyamandlovu Aquifer
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The Nyamandlovu Aquifer, a crucial water source for Bulawayo City Council, has become the target of rampant vandalism, prompting urgent calls for enhanced security measures. Deputy Mayor Edwin Ndlovu has urged for immediate action to address the issue.
This came to light during a recent council meeting when Ward 10 Councillor Khalazani Ndlovu inquired about the progress on pump repairs at Umzingwane.
"She inquired on measures taken at Nyamandlovu Aquifer to prevent vandalism," the council minutes read.
Deputy Mayor Edwin Ndlovu expressed concern over how vandalism could occur despite the presence of council security guards, emphasizing that additional security measures were necessary to safeguard the boreholes.
Water and sanitation director Skhumbuzo Ncube highlighted that repairs to the Umzingwane pumps have been delayed due to the slow delivery of motors. Furthermore, he noted that Nyamandlovu boreholes fall outside council's jurisdiction, limiting their ability to enforce security directly.
It was revealed during the meeting that there are only five Bulawayo City Council (BCC) security guards and one supervisor assigned to Nyamandlovu Aquifer, which comprises 77 boreholes. This small security presence is inadequate to cover such a vast area.
Zimbabwe National Water Authority (Zinwa) and Zesa were also expected to provide additional security to protect the pumps and transformers at the aquifer.
Town Clerk Christopher Dube emphasized the need for the adoption of new water pumping technology, which could potentially reduce security vulnerabilities. He noted that if council were to fully manage the security of the entire Nyamandlovu Aquifer, around 600 guards would be required - an impractical and financially unfeasible solution.
Calls for collaborative efforts between BCC, Zinwa, and Zesa are now at the forefront to ensure the protection of the vital water source from further vandalism.
This came to light during a recent council meeting when Ward 10 Councillor Khalazani Ndlovu inquired about the progress on pump repairs at Umzingwane.
"She inquired on measures taken at Nyamandlovu Aquifer to prevent vandalism," the council minutes read.
Deputy Mayor Edwin Ndlovu expressed concern over how vandalism could occur despite the presence of council security guards, emphasizing that additional security measures were necessary to safeguard the boreholes.
Water and sanitation director Skhumbuzo Ncube highlighted that repairs to the Umzingwane pumps have been delayed due to the slow delivery of motors. Furthermore, he noted that Nyamandlovu boreholes fall outside council's jurisdiction, limiting their ability to enforce security directly.
It was revealed during the meeting that there are only five Bulawayo City Council (BCC) security guards and one supervisor assigned to Nyamandlovu Aquifer, which comprises 77 boreholes. This small security presence is inadequate to cover such a vast area.
Zimbabwe National Water Authority (Zinwa) and Zesa were also expected to provide additional security to protect the pumps and transformers at the aquifer.
Town Clerk Christopher Dube emphasized the need for the adoption of new water pumping technology, which could potentially reduce security vulnerabilities. He noted that if council were to fully manage the security of the entire Nyamandlovu Aquifer, around 600 guards would be required - an impractical and financially unfeasible solution.
Calls for collaborative efforts between BCC, Zinwa, and Zesa are now at the forefront to ensure the protection of the vital water source from further vandalism.
Source - newsday
