Sewerage system bursts increase, baffle Bulawayo councillors

Bulawayo councillors have expressed concern over the rising number of sewer bursts across the city, warning that residents are losing confidence in council’s ability to address the crisis.


According to the latest council minutes, councillors said sewer overflows had worsened following recent rains, with Pumula identified as the most severely affected suburb.

Ward 17 Councillor Sikhululekile Moyo said her ward was overwhelmed by sewer blockages.

“Residents have been told by plumbing teams that there is a lot of sand inside the sewer pipes. Residents have lost confidence in Council and this is affecting the payment of utility bills,” she said.

Another councillor raised concern over persistent sewer overflows in Luveve near Mafakela Primary School, while others complained that some reports were not being attended to promptly. Councillors urged council staff to answer calls and respond to reports timeously.

Councillor Thamani Moyo said Makokoba was also facing widespread sewer problems.

“The whole area in Makokoba has sewer challenges. The current contractor on the ground is failing to deliver,” she said.

Councillors stressed that sewer overflows from residential properties should be prioritised, especially where visually impaired residents and persons with disabilities are affected.

Councillor Shepherd Sithole called for sewer engineers to visit all wards and identify new hotspots, while Councillor Nkosilathi Mpofu urged the committee to tour Cowdray Park.

“Some Cowdray Park residents have blair toilets which filled up because of the recent rains. Residents have been using private vacuum cleaning services which are now expensive. A request is being made for Council to provide this service,” he said.

Councillor Melissa Mabeza called for the sewer department to be equipped with more vehicles and tools of trade.

Bulawayo Mayor David Coltart said sewer bursts were largely caused by water shedding.

“The sewer system is effective when there is running water at all times. In the 2026 budget priorities, sewer was number two,” he said, adding that he supported capacitation of the department.

Councillor Roy Sekete said sewer overflows from homes would be prioritised and that the issue of an underperforming contractor would be addressed.

“Every ward in the City has sewer challenges because of water shedding,” he said.