Bulawayo reduces water shedding to 72 hours

Residents in Bulawayo are set to receive improved water supplies after the Bulawayo City Council reduced its weekly water-shedding programme from 96 hours to 72 hours following improved inflows into the city's supply dams during the 2025/26 rainy season.

In a public notice issued yesterday, council said the revised schedule took immediate effect after approval at a meeting held on May 6.

"The City of Bulawayo would like to advise residents and stakeholders that council at its meeting on Wednesday, 06 May 2026, approved the introduction of the 72-hour weekly water shedding programme from the current 96-hour water shedding programme with immediate effect," the notice read.

The reduction comes after significant improvements in dam levels, with council records showing the city's supply dams had reached 70.36 percent capacity by the end of March following favourable rainfall.

However, some suburbs supplied through the Tuli Reservoir system will continue experiencing longer shedding cycles of between 96 and 120 hours due to ongoing repairs at the clear water Sulzer pumps.

Bulawayo Mayor David Coltart said the improved water situation had created an opportunity to stabilise supplies while addressing infrastructure limitations.

"Mtshabezi Dam is now spilling, but only nine megalitres are being pumped into the city because of the limitations of the existing pipeline," Coltart said.

"The Water Technical Committee recommended duplication of the pipeline and installation of a solar-powered system to stabilise pumping operations."

Despite improved dam inflows, council says the city still urgently requires at least US$15 million to rehabilitate ageing water infrastructure, including the deteriorating Tuli Pump Station.

Officials also cited persistent pipe leaks, obsolete equipment and pump failures along the conveyance network as ongoing challenges affecting raw water delivery to the Criterion Water Treatment Plant.

Council says efforts are underway to improve service delivery through reforms within the Water and Sanitation Department, including plans to operationalise the proposed Bulawayo Water Utility.

The planned utility is expected to improve governance and operational efficiency, with residents' associations expected to be represented on its interim board alongside council officials.

Residents across the city welcomed the reduction in water shedding hours, saying it would ease pressure on households and businesses that have struggled with severe shortages in recent months.

Mrs Nomsa Moyo from Cowdray Park said families had been facing difficult conditions under the previous schedule.

"We are happy that council has reduced the water shedding hours because life has become very difficult. Families were struggling to cope, and we hope the situation continues improving," she said.

Mr Themba Ncube from Luveve said the improved dam levels offered hope, but stressed the importance of continued infrastructure rehabilitation.

"We appreciate the efforts being made to improve supplies. What is important now is for council to continue repairing the infrastructure so that residents can fully benefit from the improved water levels," he said.

Small business operators also welcomed the move, saying more predictable water availability would improve planning and reduce operational disruptions.

Bulawayo has battled recurring water shortages for years due to erratic rainfall, ageing infrastructure and growing urban demand.

Government has identified the Gwayi-Shangani Dam project as a long-term solution to the city's water challenges, with authorities describing it as critical to Bulawayo's industrial revival and future water security.