BCC seeks US$200m to replace water pipes

THE Bulawayo City Council (BCC) is seeking to raise US$200 million to replace the city’s aging water pipes which have become a major concern due to frequent bursts and leaks that continue to disrupt water supply to residents.

The alarming rate of bursts and leaks has raised serious concerns about the long-term sustainability of Bulawayo’s water infrastructure with several suburbs recently running without water due to pipe bursts.

Compounding the problem are erratic power outages, which frequently interrupt the pumping of water from reservoirs to residents, further straining the city’s already fragile water delivery system.

This combination of aging infrastructure and power challenges has underscored the urgent need for immediate investment in upgrading the city’s water reticulation system.

Chairperson of the Future Water Supplies and Water Action Committee, Councillor Khalazani Ndlovu, highlighted the urgency of the situation, noting that immediate action is needed to ensure a reliable water supply for residents.

Speaking during a recent full council meeting, Clr Ndlovu expressed shock at the aging infrastructure, remarking that some of the pipes had long outlived their lifespan.

“It’s a wonder how these pipes have remained underground for so many years,” she said.

Clr Ndlovu said about US$200 million will be required to fund the replacement of the aging water pipes to guarantee reliable water supply to residents. She said BCC is actively seeking support and partnerships to secure the necessary resources to undertake this critical infrastructure improvement project.

“Our priority is to provide a consistent and reliable water supply to our residents. Securing the funding for the replacement of these aging pipes is essential for the future well-being of Bulawayo,” she said.

On the issue of power outages, Clr Ndlovu said some support has been received to ease the electricity crisis.

“We’re dealing with both pipes and electricity problem. VEI (Veolia Environment Institute) has provided solar panels to address the power outages problem,” she said.

Clr Ndlovu said while efforts were being made to improve water distribution across the city, the deteriorating condition of the pipes remained a significant obstacle.

“At our last meeting in May, we agreed to open water supplies in certain areas that had gone for long periods without water but we faced the problem of burst pipes.

“In the past two weeks, this has caused serious difficulties, especially in the western suburbs. We couldn’t provide as much water as needed because we had to replace a burst pipe,” she said.