Minister calls for urgent Government action on Bulawayo water

BULAWAYO Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Judith Ncube, has called for immediate Government intervention to address the city’s ongoing water crisis.

While expressing optimism about the potential of the Lake Gwayi-Tshangani project to alleviate the situation, Minister Ncube emphasised the urgent need for comprehensive measures to ensure a sustainable water supply for Bulawayo residents.

She made the remarks on Friday while welcoming delegates, including the Presidium, to the 21st Zanu-PF Annual People’s National Conference at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre (ZIEC).

The conference ran under the theme: “Industrialise and Modernise Towards Attainment of Vision 2030.”

“Bulawayo is grappling with serious water challenges, hence the need to expedite the completion of the Lake Gwayi Tshangani,” said Minister Ncube, highlighting the urgency of the situation.

She emphasised that the completion of this critical project is essential for ensuring a sustainable water supply for the province.

Despite the challenges, Minister Ncube expressed gratitude for the measures already implemented by the Second Republic to mitigate water shortages, such as drilling boreholes in various areas and the aquifers project.

In addition to water resource management, Minister Ncube pointed to significant infrastructural development projects underway in Bulawayo, aligning with the country’s Vision 2030 goals.

These projects aim to enhance the region’s infrastructure and contribute to its economic growth, including the construction of two hotels — one five-star and the other four-star — as well as a 5 000-seater conference centre by the ZIEC.

Minister Ncube’s remarks set the tone for the conference, focusing on the Government’s commitment to addressing local challenges while fostering development in line with national objectives.

The conference ended on Saturday and saw delegates deliberating on further strategies for advancing the region’s infrastructure and water management initiatives.
Earlier, Zanu-PF chairperson and Minister of Defence, Cde Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, said the conference theme aligns seamlessly with both the party’s and the nation’s vision of propelling Zimbabwe towards an upper-middle-income economy by 2030.

“This theme resonates well with our collective efforts to drive the nation forward, reinforcing the commitment to national development and economic transformation,” she said.

Meanwhile, the president of the National Chiefs Council of Zimbabwe, Chief Mtshane Khumalo of Bubi in Matabeleland North province, praised the many good works carried out by the Second Republic under President Mnangagwa’s leadership.

In his solidarity message at the conference, Chief Mtshane assured the party leadership that traditional leaders remain fully committed to working with the Government on any national project. He urged the Government to engage traditional leaders in such programmes without hesitation.