Online Reporter
Peter Matika, [email protected]
BULAWAYO councillors have called for closer collaboration between Government and the local authority to expedite the completion of major water infrastructure projects aimed at permanently resolving the city’s perennial water challenges.
The calls emerged during deliberations on the city’s water situation, with councillors urging Government and other stakeholders to accelerate funding towards the completion of the Gwayi-Shangani project and the long-awaited Glassblock Dam.
Councillors noted that residents were expecting improved water supplies following the favourable 2025/26 rainy season, which significantly increased inflows into the city’s supply dams.
Ward Three councillor Mr Mxolisi Mahlangu said although the improved rainfall season had brought temporary relief, lasting solutions depended on the completion of major water augmentation projects. He said there was a need for continued collaboration between Government and the local authority to ensure critical projects receive adequate funding.
Clr Mahlangu appealed for the expedited completion of the Gwayi-Shangani Lake project, including the associated pipeline infrastructure, describing it as central to securing Bulawayo’s long-term water security.
He also stressed the importance of allocating funding towards the Glassblock Dam project, which has remained on the drawing board for decades despite its strategic significance.
“Water issues are of national interest and require both Council and Central Government to work together in delivering a sustainable solution for Bulawayo,” said Clr Mahlangu.
Ward Two councillor Adrian Ndlovu echoed similar sentiments, saying the city should use the improved water situation as an opportunity to plan ahead rather than become complacent.
He said Bulawayo needed to continue identifying and developing additional raw water sources to meet future demand from a growing population and expanding industrial sector.
Clr Ndlovu said recent tours of the city’s water infrastructure, including Insiza Dam, had underscored the importance of investing in both existing and future water supply systems.
“There is a need for short-medium and long-term planning to ensure Bulawayo never returns to the severe water shortages that have affected residents and industry in the past,” he said. The discussions also centred on concerns over illegal mining activities along riverbeds, which councillors warned could undermine water security by damaging catchment areas and compromising the quality and sustainability of water sources.
Ward 22 councillor Cllr Royini Sekete called for stricter enforcement of laws against illegal miners operating near river systems and sought an update on engagements between council and Government on the issue.
Responding to the concerns, Bulawayo Deputy Mayor Councillor Edwin Ndlovu said Government had already engaged local authorities on the matter and that discussions were continuing at the highest levels to address the threat posed by illegal mining to water infrastructure and future dam projects.
Ward 10 councillor Cllr Khalazani Ndlovu said recent engagements had also highlighted the need to prioritise the construction of Glassblock Dam as part of broader efforts to guarantee Bulawayo’s long-term water security.
Bulawayo has for years battled periodic water shortages due to limited water sources and recurring droughts.
However, improved rainfall during the 2025/26 season has raised optimism that, with sustained investment in water infrastructure, the city can move closer to permanently ending water shedding and securing reliable water supplies for households, industry and commerce.
