Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo
MORE than half of Bulawayo’s industries are not fully compliant with trade effluent discharge standards, a senior city official has revealed.
Speaking at a Trade Effluent and Water Recycling Indaba hosted by the Bulawayo City Council on Wednesday, water and sanitation engineer Kwanele Sibanda said over 50 percent of industries are failing to meet the required discharge regulations.
Eng Sibanda said industrial effluent remains a major contributor to the city’s wastewater challenges, placing pressure on ageing infrastructure and undermining efforts to promote water recycling.
“We have various categories of industries in the city, and when we assess compliance levels, more than half are not fully compliant with trade effluent discharge standards,” she said.
The engineer said non-compliant discharges are degrading mechanical components at pump stations and wastewater treatment plants, reducing system efficiency and increasing maintenance costs.
Bulawayo’s wastewater treatment plants are already operating below optimal capacity, with ageing sewer infrastructure and intermittent water supply further compounding the problem.
Eng Sibanda said improving compliance is critical if the city is to achieve its goal of recycling treated wastewater for industrial use and irrigation of green spaces.
She added that the city conducts regular trade effluent monitoring in line with its bylaws, but acknowledged challenges, including non-functional meters that affect accurate billing and cost recovery.
The indaba brought together industry representatives, policymakers and technical experts to explore solutions aimed at strengthening compliance, protecting infrastructure and advancing sustainable water management in Bulawayo.
derick.khumalo