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Whinsley Masara, Chronicle Reporter
BULAWAYO City Council has allayed fears of possible water shortage in the city saying water levels in its dams guarantee supplies until December 2017.
The Council’s Director of Engineering Services, Engineer Simela Dube said rains received last month have increased water levels in the city’s dams.
“The six dams supplying Bulawayo with water have so far collected a total volume of 180, 674,977 cubic millilitres with an average draw down of 7, 908, 827 cubic millilitres’ per month, estimated to last the city up to 21 months.
The depletion period is estimated at December 2017,” said Eng. Dube.
According to the city council water supply statistics as at March 23, Insiza Mayfair, Lower Ncema , Inyakuni, Upper Ncema, Umzingwane and Mtshabezi had all increased volumes of water, with the highest percentage of 70, 07 percent at Mtshabezi.
“The total collected as of now can last the city up to next year December, as long as it used sparingly,” said Eng. Dube.
He urged residents to continue using water sparingly.
“The current consumption is high and unsustainable.
High density houses are currently allocated at 500 litres and may be reduced to at least 400 litres per day and the low density houses are at 750 litres to 450 litres per day,” he said.
Bulawayo City Council senior public relations officer Nesisa Mpofu said they have started water conservation awareness campaigns.
“These are to conscientise residents on water conservation and the use of appliances that enhance water conservation.
We also urge residents to promptly report water bursts and leaks to the Call Centre.
Councillors are urged to encourage residents to conserve water at residents meetings and at schools,” she said.
derick.khumalo