Govt challenges Bulawayo's water rationing

Government has raised concerns over Bulawayo City Council's (BCC) water rationing programme, accusing the local authority of a lack of transparency in water distribution.

Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Minister Dr Anxious Masuka questioned why residents are only receiving water two days a week despite the city pumping between 90 and 100 megalitres daily—nearly two-thirds of its maximum demand of 165 megalitres.

"You are pumping 90 to 100 megalitres per day against a maximum demand of 165 megalitres, yet residents are only getting water for two days a week. This suggests mismanagement of water distribution and favouritism towards certain consumers. It means there are people enjoying a 24-hour water supply all year round, while others receive water for just two days a week," said Dr Masuka during a tour of the Nyamandlovu aquifer.

The minister added that, based on council's figures, the city is facing more of a water conveyance problem than a shortage. His remarks follow growing concerns from councillors about high levels of non-revenue water (NRW), with nearly 50 percent of pumped water lost or unaccounted for in the system.

Councillors have also raised operational challenges. Clr Mxolisi Mahlangu noted that delays in restoring water after shedding or pipe repairs create frustration among residents. Clr Felix Madzana added that priority is often given to repairing mainline bursts while smaller feeder pipelines are ignored, reinforcing perceptions of poor service delivery. He called for set timeframes to address all faults and for the department to be allocated more vehicles.

Future Water Supplies Committee chairperson Clr Khalazani Ndlovu, however, said the 130-hour shedding schedule remains in place, citing dam levels at just 40 percent. She stressed that the city plans water management two years in advance, especially with uncertain rainfall forecasts.

Meanwhile, the city council acknowledged ongoing challenges in a statement released yesterday. It revealed that the Flowserve pumping system, which developed faults earlier this month, was restored on 18 September, but the Criterion raw water reservoir has since dropped to a critically low 10,67 percent.

Further setbacks were reported after a major leak developed on the Umzingwane booster pumping line on 20 September, disrupting raw water delivery.

"The Umzingwane Dam is key in boosting water supplies to the city, and this has adversely affected raw water delivery for treatment. Repairs are currently ongoing, and teams are working around the clock to restore full functionality," said the council.

Maintenance work has also been completed at Ncema and Fernhill pumping stations, including leak repairs, as part of efforts to safeguard supply.

The council said it expects to resume the 130-hour water shedding schedule by Friday, 26 September, and has deployed water bowsers to the most affected areas.

"The City of Bulawayo would like to sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused and extends its appreciation to all residents for their continued patience, understanding, and co-operation," the statement read.