SA asks for water from Zimbabwe

South African border officials at Beitbridge have requested water supplies from the Beitbridge Municipality after their pumps were washed away by the swollen Limpopo River three times.

Beitbridge town clerk, Loud Ramakgapola, revealed this during a water crisis meeting with stakeholders, stating that the local authority is considering alternative revenue streams, as it is owed about US$80 million.

"Two officials from the South African border were in my office this week requesting that we restart supplying them with water. There is an existing pipeline we can bring back to life to supply. We badly need the revenue," Ramakgapola said.

Several years ago, Beitbridge supplied water to the South African border, a lucrative venture that ceased when the border post became self-reliant. However, due to recent flooding and pump losses, the South African side is struggling to meet its water needs.

"Their pumps were washed away three times by the Limpopo River and their situation is desperate. We can bail them out and generate some revenue for ourselves," Ramakgapola added.

The meeting, held on Thursday last week, addressed ways to convince residents to settle unpaid bills amounting to approximately 43% of the US$80 million owed. Residents, faced with erratic water supplies for at least three days per week, are resistant to paying their water bills, opting instead to purchase water from vendors selling it on a green patch.

A 20-litre container of water sells for R2, while R100 buys 1,000 litres of water - now considered a precious resource in Beitbridge.

Several issues were highlighted during the meeting, including absentee landlords who collect water charges but fail to remit them to the council. Some vendors were accused of stealing municipal water just before their meters and reselling it, a practice prevalent in Baobab low-density suburb.

"We know people who are doing this and it's common in Baobab. People are making money from stealing municipal water," a resident contributed.

Businessman Terry Charles Mulowa advised the local authority to incentivize residents to pay their rates and water bills.

"You should consider a rotation of supplies, as some residents do not get supplies even when the municipality dispenses. Some areas do not get the water at all," he said. Mulowa also recommended installing valves to ensure fair distribution.

Ramakgapola stated that his office had started disconnecting supplies and was investigating situations where those sent to disconnect received bribes.

"Ordinarily, I would now be getting calls from people pleading. But I have not had any call since meaning something is wrong. There is talk some of our staff is getting bribes not to close water, and we have taken measures," Ramakgapola said.

Beitbridge council is also facing challenges with institutional houses, where civil servants are transferred before settling bills. To address this, the council plans to install prepaid water meters on government houses.

Additionally, Beitbridge Municipality remains entangled in a water dispute with the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA), which has imposed a bulk prepaid water meter for the local authority - a move that is expected to further challenge the supply dynamics.