Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo
THE Government has accused Bulawayo City Council of playing dirty in its water rationing programme, questioning why residents only get water twice a week despite the city pumping huge volumes daily.
Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Dr Anxious Masuka, grilled city bosses during a tour of the Nyamandlovu aquifer, where he checked on progress by ZESA in securing transformers and reviewed the city’s water situation.
“You are pumping 90 to 100 megalitres per day against a maximum demand of 165 megalitres,” fumed Dr Masuka. “That is about two-thirds of the required supply, yet residents are only getting water for two days a week.”
The minister suggested there was favouritism and mismanagement, hinting that some neighbourhoods were enjoying unlimited water while others were left dry.
“It means there are people enjoying a 24-hour water supply all year round, while others receive water for just two days a week,” he said.
The minister’s explosive remarks sparked fresh anger among residents who have long complained about unfair water distribution, with some areas claiming they have not had a drop in weeks.
City engineer Sikhumbuzo Ncube and Future Water Supplies chairperson, Councillor Khalazani Ndlovu, tried to explain the city’s side, but Masuka insisted the problem was not a shortage of water but poor distribution and a broken tracking system.
According to recent council minutes, Councillor Mxolisi Mahlangu admitted there was no proper system to monitor progress once reports of leaks or burst pipes were made, leading to delays and confusion.
Councillor Felix Madzana added that smaller feeder pipes were being ignored, while mainline bursts were given priority, creating an impression that the city was dragging its feet on repairs.
Despite the minister’s grilling, Clr Ndlovu maintained that the 130-hour water shedding schedule would remain, saying planning was based on dam levels and long-term water security.
Residents, however, are not buying it, with many calling for answers on who exactly is enjoying water 24/7 while the rest of the city queues for a trickle.
