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Nqobile Tshili, Chronicle Reporter
THE Bulawayo City Council (BCC) is considering purifying reclaimed water for domestic purposes while reviewing the city’s water and sewerage tariff structure, the Town Clerk, Mr Christopher Dube, has said.
The local authority has invited consultant companies with experience in setting up waste water recycling, sewer and water tariff structures to express their interest in the process through applications.
In two separate advertisements, Mr Dube said the two projects are being financed under the ongoing Bulawayo Water Sewerage Services Improvement Project (BWSSIP) through the African Development Bank (AfDB).
The BWSSIP programme is meant to improve the city’s water and sewerage services.
Mr Dube said council was considering waste water recycling for domestic purposes even though it might not be socially acceptable.
“The main objective of the assignment is the preparation for the technical feasibility and Public Private Partnership (PPP) study for treated waste water from the existing waste water treatment plants operated by BCC and reclaimed water re-use. The consultant is to holistically study all the potential treated waste water and reclaimed water reuse options as detailed in the scope of work,” said Mr Dube.
“The possible options for waste water reclamation may include but are not limited to: potable uses — it is understood that reuse of waste water for potable uses may not be viable and even socially accepted, however, consultant is to study that option and come up with options and study technical, financial and social feasibility of that option. Non-potable uses — reuse in agriculture, forestry, public parks, industry, aquifer recharge (direct and indirect recharge) and others.”
He said the successful consulting firms will study the options of PPP financing for the various potential waste water reuses schemes and develop the functionality and suitability of the scheme before it is adopted by the local authority.
Mr Dube said another consultant is needed for a tariff affordability study, institutional option analysis and ring fencing in Bulawayo.
He said in line with BWSSIP, council is looking for a consulting firm to strengthen BCC’s service delivery capacity while contributing to health and environmental improvement.
Mr Dube said the firm would look at the suitability of a new tariff structure.
“To review the current tariff structure and make recommendations for sustainability. The review will also analyse customer ability and willingness to pay the current tariffs and any potential increases in tariffs. To make detailed recommendations and develop a road map for the implementation of ring fencing the water and sewerage services with private sector involvement as an option,” he said.
“The consultant will be expected to take a holistic approach on the recommendations for appropriate institutions options and organisational management structures, cost recovery mechanisms, tariff structures and cost recovery targets for water and sewerage services and the development of an operational framework for ring fencing the water and sewerage services.” — @nqotshili
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