Online Reporter
B-Metro Reporter
BULAWAYO residents will have to endure more dry taps this week as the much-awaited upgrade works at Umzingwane Pump Station hit another snag, pushing back hopes for normal water supply.
The City of Bulawayo has confirmed that the upgrade, which was supposed to be completed by Monday, 6 October, has been delayed due to what officials described as “setbacks in the delivery of materials and fabrication processes on site.”
In a statement, Town Clerk Christopher Dube said the local authority said the new target date for completion and testing is Friday, 10 October 2025.
“The City of Bulawayo would like to advise residents and stakeholders that the ongoing upgrade works at the Umzingwane Pump Station have been delayed,” said Dube. “Completion of the works and subsequent restoration of water supply are now expected following the successful testing of all systems.”
The prolonged dry spell has deepened frustration across the city, where some suburbs have gone for days without running water, forcing residents to rely on boreholes and water bowsers. Others have taken to social media to vent their anger over what they describe as “permanent water shedding.”
City officials, however, insist the pain is temporary.
“These improvements are essential in enhancing pumping capacity and ensuring a more reliable water supply,” said Dube. “The City of Bulawayo sincerely apologizes for the inconvenience caused.”
Water shortages have long haunted the City of Kings, worsened by aging infrastructure, erratic rainfall, and population growth. The situation has recently been compounded by frequent mechanical breakdowns and power outages affecting pumping stations.
Residents in high-lying suburbs such as Magwegwe, Cowdray Park, and Pumula have been the hardest hit, often going for more than a week without water.
The council urged residents to use the little water available wisely.
“Water is life. Save every drop,” said Dube.
As the city counts down to Friday, weary residents can only hope that the latest promise doesn’t go down the drain like previous timelines.
