Can Bulawayo Overcome Its Severe Water Supply Crisis?

January 13, 2025

Bulawayo, a city in Zimbabwe, finds itself grappling with a severe water supply crisis as the city’s residents struggle with reduced pumping capacities and deteriorating infrastructure. A report from the Bulawayo City Council sheds light on the critical issues plaguing the water supply, including operational inefficiencies, frequent pipeline leaks, and delays in securing necessary resources. The result has been compounded equipment breakdowns and fluctuating water delivery, leaving residents to rely heavily on alternative water sources.

Mtshabezi Dam Woes

The water pumping capacity at Mtshabezi Dam has been steadily declining over the past four years. In 2020, the monthly average stood at around 800,000 cubic meters, but by 2024, this figure had plummeted to approximately 300,000 cubic meters. The dam, once a reliable water source, now struggles to meet the needs of its dependent residents, leading to significant supply gaps.

Ncema Water Works Challenges

Operating far below its design capacity, Ncema Water Works manages to deliver only 40-45 million liters per day out of an intended 80 million liters. With 65% of the filters non-operational, the treatment capacity has been severely impacted. Rehabilitation efforts are ongoing but remain in the evaluation phase. Currently, the water works average a supply of 32 million liters per day, clearly insufficient to cater to the city’s demand.

Conveyance Issues: Ncema to Fernhill and Tuli Hill Reservoirs

Another significant issue is the inadequate conveyance of treated water from Ncema to the crucial Fernhill and Tuli Hill reservoirs. Persistent inefficiencies in the system continue to hinder the optimal supply of water, further exacerbating the crisis.

Nyamandlovu Aquifer Limitations

The Nyamandlovu Aquifer delivers an average of 5.62 million liters per day, involving 33 operational boreholes out of a total of 60. However, frequent breakdowns and power outages severely restrict pumping abilities. The stalled tender for meter replacements due to budget shortfalls further adds to the inefficiencies plaguing this water source.

Pipeline Leaks and Repairs

The situation is further complicated by numerous pipeline leaks; in November 2024 alone, 34 leaks were reported, but only 15 were repaired. Delays in securing repair materials and the lack of operational vehicles for timely leak detection have hindered effective resolution of these issues.

Impact on Residents

Residents are bearing the brunt of these ongoing challenges. The intermittent water supply means areas dependent on Ncema, Fernhill, and Nyamandlovu often go for days without access to tap water. Reliance on boreholes, which are sometimes non-functional or have limited output, exacerbates water shortages. This has led households to turn to expensive water alternatives, significantly straining finances.

Steps Toward Mitigation

To navigate out of this crisis, several measures must be taken by the Bulawayo City Council. Firstly, expediting filter rehabilitation at Ncema Water Works is vital to boosting water treatment capacity. Additionally, prioritizing the procurement of materials and the replacement of non-functional water meters will address some of the operational inefficiencies. Investing in operational vehicles for timely leak detection and repairs is another critical step. Moreover, enhancing budget allocations to comprehensively tackle the infrastructure challenges is necessary.

Conclusion

Bulawayo, a prominent city in Zimbabwe, is currently facing a significant water crisis, with residents experiencing severe shortages due to reduced pumping capabilities and outdated infrastructure. According to a detailed report from the Bulawayo City Council, several critical issues are exacerbating the situation. The report highlights operational inefficiencies, frequent pipeline leaks, and significant delays in obtaining necessary resources, which are all contributing to the dire state of water supply in the city. These problems have led to frequent breakdowns of essential equipment and inconsistent water delivery, forcing many residents to turn to alternative water sources. The city’s aged infrastructure and bureaucratic obstacles have only worsened the situation, making it difficult to maintain a steady and reliable water supply. The ongoing crisis underscores the urgent need for infrastructural investment and operational improvements to ensure that the residents of Bulawayo can access clean and consistent water.

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