marble nkomo
Sikhumbuzo Moyo and Raymond Jaravaza, Sunday News Reporters
BULAWAYO could be on course for improved water availability this year following significant inflows into the city’s supply dams as well as developments on the management front, offering hope to residents long burdened by persistent water shortages and stringent rationing.
Favourable rainfall received during the current season has significantly boosted dam levels, raising expectations of a more stable water supply for the city.
Key supply dams have recorded notable inflows, easing pressure on already strained resources and potentially reducing the severity of water-shedding schedules.
At the same time, authorities are intensifying efforts to improve water management systems, including infrastructure rehabilitation and leak reduction programmes. These measures are expected to enhance efficiency and minimise losses, ensuring that available water is better utilised.
City officials say the combination of improved inflows and strengthened management strategies could translate into more consistent water delivery across suburbs.
While challenges remain, particularly with ageing infrastructure and growing demand, the current outlook points to a more favourable scenario compared to previous years.
According to the Bulawayo City Council, the city’s largest supply dam, Insiza, is now 80 percent full following heavy rains that continue to pound Matabeleland South Province and other parts of the country.
Insiza Dam, along with the city’s other supply dams — Lower Ncema, Upper Ncema, Mtshabezi, Inyankuni and Umzingwane — are all located in Matabeleland South, and good rains in the region traditionally bring relief to residents of the country’s second-largest city.
On Friday, the Bulawayo City Council reported that combined water levels in the city’s supply dams were hovering around 63 percent, a significant improvement from about 49 percent during the same period last year.
According to official statistics, Insiza Dam is now 80,41 percent full, a development that has excited Mayor Councillor David Coltart, given that it is the city’s biggest supply dam.
“The City of Bulawayo’s biggest dam, Insiza Dam, as at this morning (20 March), was at 80,41 percent and these were good inflows over the weekend. Last (previous) Friday, we were at 70,69 percent and we received close to nine million cubic metres of water,” said Clr Coltart.
Statistics further show that the city now has the highest average dam level — at 63,65 percent — recorded over the last four years. During the same period last year, the dams were 49,77 percent full.
In another positive development, Mtshabezi Dam, which has not spilled in the past ten years, is now spilling.
“The City of Bulawayo began receiving inflows into its supply dams on the 21 October 2025 with the onset of the rainy season. To date, the cumulative increase in dam levels attributable to the rains stands at 30.08 percent of the total system capacity.
“Mtshabezi Dam is still spilling at full capacity 100,22 percent and Insiza Dam has recorded the highest cumulative inflows of 72,6 million cubic metres marking the most significant individual dam storage increase so far this season. The city continues to monitor inflows across the other supply dams as the rainy season progresses to guide the water shedding programme,” said the local authority.
Meanwhile, in another boost for the city, the Meteorological Services Department of Zimbabwe has indicated that the country is expected to receive rains through to April, although a gradual seasonal decline is anticipated as the 2025/2026 rainy season comes to an end.
This emerged during the recent National Climate Outlook Forum (Nacof) convened by the department.
According to the forum’s outcome, March is projected to receive normal to above-normal rainfall across much of the country, offering continued relief for farmers and further boosting water levels in dams and rivers.
“However, a seasonal shift is expected in April, with rainfall patterns likely to move towards normal to below-normal levels, signalling the gradual end of the rainy season,” reads the report from the meeting, which brought together key stakeholders including the United Nations Development Programme, Zimbabwe Farmers Union, Zimbabwe National Water Authority and the World Food Programme, among others.
Stakeholders at the forum also assessed the potential impact of the forecast on key sectors such as agriculture, water resources, energy and food security.
The outlook is expected to guide decision-making, with authorities urged to integrate climate information into planning processes to minimise risks associated with flooding, dry spells and shifting weather patterns.
“The Nacof platform remains a vital tool for translating scientific forecasts into practical strategies, ensuring that Zimbabwe continues to enhance preparedness and build resilience against climate variability,” reads the report.
Bongani Ndlovu