Online Reporter
Judith Phiri, Zimpapers Business Hub
The Bulawayo City Council (BCC) has said that poor coordination with the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) over prepaid meters is creating challenges in managing and maintaining public lighting.
The delays in repairing and installing street and tower lights in suburbs have contributed to rising crime linked to poorly lit streets.
Speaking at a Ward 25 engagement meeting organized by the Bulawayo Progressive Residents Association (BPRA), BCC electrical engineer Sehlule Zondo said the council was struggling to maintain public lighting due to the lack of coordination with ZESA.
“The lack of coordination between ZESA and BCC regarding prepaid meters creates challenges for the local authority in managing and maintaining public lighting,” he said.
Across municipalities including Bulawayo and Chitungwiza, street and tower lights are being converted to prepaid meters under the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) national programme to migrate all customers to the prepaid system.
Eng Zondo urged residents to strengthen neighbourhood watch committees to prevent theft and vandalism of community infrastructure and ensure safer public spaces.
Ward 25 Councillor Aleck Ndlovu highlighted ongoing water shortages affecting the ward and the city, noting that Bulawayo relies on only one dam, Mtshabezi. He emphasized the need for additional water sources and outlined progress on the Gwayi–Shangani Dam project, which includes a 72-metre wall, power station, 252 km pipeline, purification plant, and stabilizing pipeline linking to the Zambezi.
Cllr Ndlovu also mentioned mid- and long-term measures such as the Glassblock Dam project, more borehole drilling, and continued work on the Gwayi–Shangani project under the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA).
On waste management, he urged residents to stop illegal dumping and burning of waste, emphasizing proper disposal for a cleaner community.
Regarding drugs and substance abuse, Cllr Ndlovu said the issue is harming the community and young people in particular. He encouraged youth to engage in productive activities to avoid drugs and build a positive future.
BPRA conducted the meeting to address service delivery issues, including infrastructure development and public lighting, and introduced the Compassionate Ward Team. The organisation, established in 2007, provides a non-partisan platform for residents’ participation in local governance through consultative meetings, capacity building, awareness campaigns, and research.
