Lupane still without sewer system

More than two decades after being designated the capital of Matabeleland North Province, Lupane still has no central sewer reticulation network or sewage treatment plant, forcing most properties to rely on communal septic tanks.

The revelation was made on Friday during a visit by Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Local Government, Public Works and National Housing, which is conducting oversight on government housing and infrastructure projects.

Briefing the committee, Lupane Local Board engineer Phillip Nguni said only 403 houses constructed under the Garikai/Hlalani Kuhle housing project are connected to sewer infrastructure.

"Since this is a town which is new, the whole town does not have sewer infrastructure and a treatment plant. I think it's important information that as honourable members you should be aware of," Nguni said.

He explained that the 403 properties, including 19 houses allocated to civil servants, are connected to what he described as a "baffled reactor", a communal septic tank system that serves the housing development.

Nguni said the project also includes water supply and road infrastructure but noted that the local authority was seeking government support to extend sewer services across the entire town.

"We would like to thank the ministry and the government for this initiative, but above all, our wish is not only the 403 benefit, but the whole town with sewer infrastructure," he said.

"We have made presentations to our provincial minister and to our ministry."

Lupane was declared the provincial capital of Matabeleland North in 1999, replacing Bulawayo as the province's administrative centre. The Lupane Local Board was established in 2007 to oversee the town's development.

Despite its status, infrastructure development has lagged behind, with residents continuing to face shortages of essential services, including comprehensive sewer systems, piped water and fully developed road networks.

The absence of a centralised sewer system has raised concerns over sanitation and public health, particularly as the town continues to grow and accommodates government offices, educational institutions and commercial activity.

The parliamentary delegation was led by Portfolio Committee chairperson and Mazowe Central legislator Maxmore Njanji, who said the visit formed part of Parliament's constitutional oversight responsibilities.

"We have an oversight role as Parliament on ministries and their agencies, and we should also oversee expenditures and revenues of government agencies," Njanji said.

"We are here to verify reports from the ministry on human settlements. The government is committed to providing affordable houses to its citizens, and we are here to fulfil our mandatory obligations."

The Garikai/Hlalani Kuhle housing project was introduced to provide affordable housing across the country but has addressed only part of Lupane's broader infrastructure requirements.

Residents and local leaders have repeatedly called for accelerated investment to ensure the town's infrastructure matches its role as the provincial capital of Matabeleland North.