Bulawayo City Council to present revised plan for water utility formation

Online Writer

THE City of Bulawayo is set to present a revised document on the formation of a water utility at a consultative meeting scheduled for Thursday, 6 March 2025.
The meeting, which will take place at 11am in the Council Chambers, follows a resolution made during a previous engagement with Civic Society Organisations (CSOs) on Friday, 7 February 2025.

During the February meeting, the City and a selected group of CSO representatives agreed to collaborate on finalising an information pack outlining the proposed water utility. This initiative aims to address the city’s longstanding water challenges and improve service delivery to residents.

The upcoming meeting will be attended the Mayor David Coltart, Councillors, representatives of Civic Society Organisations, and members of the media. The city has extended an invitation to all stakeholders to participate in this critical discussion.

Ms Bongiwe Ngwenya, Corporate Communications Officer for the City of Bulawayo, emphasised the importance of the meeting, saying: “This is a pivotal step towards ensuring sustainable water management and service provision for the city. We encourage all stakeholders to attend and contribute to this vital process.”

The formation of a dedicated water utility is seen as a key strategy to enhance efficiency, accountability, and transparency in water resource management. The revised document to be presented on 6 March is expected to outline the proposed structure, funding mechanisms, and operational framework for the utility.

This development comes against the backdrop of Bulawayo’s persistent water shortages, which have been exacerbated by ageing infrastructure and climate change-induced droughts. The City has been exploring long-term solutions to ensure reliable water supply for its growing population.

Stakeholders are urged to attend the meeting and provide input to ensure the proposed water utility meets the needs of all residents.
Bulawayo, Zimbabwe’s second-largest city, has faced chronic water shortages for years, with residents enduring prolonged water rationing. The City Council has been exploring various strategies to address the crisis, including the establishment of an independent water utility. The proposed utility is expected to streamline operations, attract investment, and improve service delivery.

The consultative process with CSOs and other stakeholders underscores the City’s commitment to inclusive and participatory governance.