BCC forges ahead with privatisation of water

The Bulawayo City Council (BCC) has proposed the establishment of a corporate water utility company as a critical step toward addressing the city's aging water and sewer infrastructure, which requires an estimated US$600 million to US$1 billion for upgrades.

The proposal was unveiled during a stakeholder consultation meeting held yesterday, as the city grapples with recurring pipe bursts and significant water losses, with up to 50% of non-revenue water being lost due to infrastructure inefficiencies.

The BCC Deputy Director of the Water and Sanitation Department, Engineer Kwanele Sibanda, outlined the structure of the proposed utility company, emphasizing that it would be wholly owned by the council but operate as a private entity under a board of directors. She explained that this approach aims to improve efficiency and attract much-needed investment.

Bulawayo Town Clerk, Mr. Christopher Dube, acknowledged the dire state of the city's water infrastructure, much of which is over 50 years old and has suffered from decades of neglect. He said the council has struggled to secure adequate financing under the current system.

"Our infrastructure has collapsed due to a lack of maintenance. Even with external expertise, the root problem is funding," Dube said. "The water utility company will help ring-fence water finances, making it easier to attract investors who are hesitant to engage with the council in its current form."

Dube noted that potential investors have highlighted issues such as excessive red tape and limited financial transparency, which the proposed utility is expected to address.

The proposal, however, sparked concerns among residents, particularly regarding fears that a corporate water utility could make water access unaffordable for poorer citizens.

Dube sought to allay these fears, stating that the council is committed to a pro-poor policy. "We understand that some residents cannot afford to pay bills, and we are working on mechanisms to cater to them. However, those who can afford to pay must do so to ensure the system remains sustainable," he said.

He dismissed rumors that the Dutch water company Vitens Evides International (VEI) was taking over Bulawayo's water resources, clarifying that VEI had only provided financial and technical assistance to the council at no cost.

Deputy Mayor, Councillor Edwin Ndlovu, added that establishing a water utility company is a prerequisite for securing support from development partners. "Organisations willing to assist us have made it clear that they require a water utility company with separate accounts to ensure efficiency and accountability," he said.

The proposal has drawn mixed reactions from residents. Bulawayo United Residents' Association chairman, Mr. Winos Dube, urged the council to foster trust and ensure thorough consultation to avoid past mistakes.

"When ZESA took over the power station, we were promised a reliable power supply, yet we still experience outages. Similarly, promises made during the Egodini Mall project have not been fulfilled," Dube said.

He pointed to the example of prepaid electricity meters, which initially faced resistance but later gained acceptance due to their efficiency. He urged the council to learn from that experience and improve communication and engagement with residents.

Dube also expressed openness to new initiatives like prepaid water meters, suggesting a pilot project to demonstrate their feasibility.

The BCC has acknowledged the need for further consultations to address residents' concerns and build consensus on the proposed water utility company. The council sees this initiative as a vital step toward ensuring sustainable water management and addressing the city's infrastructure challenges.

As Bulawayo continues to grapple with water shortages and aging infrastructure, the success of this ambitious plan will hinge on effective stakeholder engagement, transparent implementation, and securing the substantial investment required to modernize its water systems.