Bulawayo residents reject council move to privatise water utility

THE Bulawayo Progressive Residents Association (BPRA) has opposed the Bulawayo City Council’s (BCC) recent decision to privatise its water and sanitation utility, arguing the move disregards their rights and contravenes the country’s Constitution.

Earlier this month, the BCC announced its plan to unbundle the city’s engineering services department, creating a stand-alone water utility. This move, according to the council, is intended to enhance the efficiency of managing Bulawayo’s water and sanitation services.

The local authority also disclosed a transition budget of US$17 million, to be mobilised with the help of a Netherlands-based organisation, VEI, and other partners.

However, BPRA has expressed deep concerns over this development.

In a statement, the association highlighted Bulawayo’s ongoing water crisis, warning that the privatisation move could worsen the situation, potentially leading to a public health disaster similar to the 2020 diarrhoea outbreak in Luveve suburb.

“Residents and stakeholders of the City of Bulawayo strongly denounce the local authority’s decision to establish a private water and sanitation utility. This approach is elitist and will disproportionately impact low-income households already burdened by the rising cost of living,” read part of BPRA’s statement.

The association emphasised that the move violates Section 77 of the Constitution, which guarantees every person the right to clean, safe, and potable water. BPRA fears that the privatisation of the utility will result in increased water costs, further limiting residents’ access to this essential resource.

BPRA also criticised the lack of transparency in the process, particularly in the selection of the Dutch company, VEI. The association warned that residents may struggle to hold the private entity accountable for the use of funds and the quality of services provided.

“Decisions concerning our city’s essential resources should be made by those who understand the unique needs of our community, not by distant corporate entities focused on profit. This will have negative consequences on the residents holding the service provider accountable due to complex contractual arrangements and regulatory frameworks,” the statement continued.

The residents’ group referred to past privatisation efforts by the BCC, such as those involving Ingwebu Breweries and Parks and Nursery, Caravan Park, Goodhope and Aisleby Farm which, they argue, have not benefited the residents.

They expressed scepticism about the financial transparency of these entities and questioned the rationale behind setting up a similar arrangement for water and sanitation services.

“How will setting up such a utility address the city’s water challenges? Who will bear the financial burden, and will these costs be passed on to the residents?” BPRA questioned, urging the council to provide clear answers.

“It is on record that the main challenge with the City of Bulawayo regarding water issues is the availability of bulk water.”

BPRA said the water account is the main source of funding for the local authority which then raises questions on why council would set up a separate entity.

Bulawayo mayor, Councillor David Coltart said the council plans to engage both internal and external stakeholders through a comprehensive engagement plan.

However, residents remain wary, with many calling for greater involvement and transparency in decision-making processes that affect essential services.