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Mashudu Netsianda Senior Reporter—
BULAWAYO residents have welcomed the Government’s move to boost the city’s water supply by introducing a 24-hour pumping period from Mtshabezi Dam. The Minister of Environment, Water and Climate, Cde Saviour Kasukuwere, last week ordered the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (Zinwa) to pump water from Mtshabezi Dam 24 hours a day as the Zanu-PF Government steps up efforts to address the prevailing water crisis in Bulawayo.
In separate interviews yesterday, residents commended the move by the Government to ensure a constant supply of water, saying it would go a long way in addressing some of the city’s major challenges.
A local economic analyst, Dr Gatsha Mazithulela, said water remained a critical element in reviving Bulawayo’s industries.
“Indeed the move by Government to ensure that the city gets sufficient water supplies is good and commendable. Water remains a key component in industrial development and in the case of Bulawayo some of the industries were forced to close because of water shortages among other factors.
“It is a simple equation of more water more industry and therefore boosting water supplies will also bring in more investment for the city,” he said.
The chairperson of the Bulawayo Residents Association (Bura), Mr Winos Dube echoed Dr Mazithulela’s sentiments.
“We commend Minister Kasukuwere for directing Zinwa to pump water from Mtshabezi Dam for 24 hours a day as that will also in the long run help resuscitate our industries. Water is very important in terms of investment. You cannot expect people to invest in a city that has no constant water supplies.
“So to us it brings hope and excitement and as residents we applaud the Government for responding positively by ensuring that we get constant water supplies,” said Mr Dube.
Bulawayo mayor, Councillor Martin Moyo also commended Cde Kasukuwere for ordering Zinwa to start pumping water for 24 hours a day from Mtshabezi Dam.
“The move by the Minister of Environment, Water and Climate is highly commendable because we really need water from Mtshabezi so as to ease the current crisis that we are facing. If we are able to receive adequate supplies from Mtshabezi Dam then naturally we can either reduce the shedding period or effectively cancel it,” he said.
Clr Moyo said the Bulawayo City Council would work closely with Zinwa in monitoring Bulawayo’s water situation.
Another resident, Ms Joyce Ndlovu of New Magwegwe said: “We are happy that the Government has started responding to our water challenges and everyone is looking forward to an improved water supply in Bulawayo.
“Water shortage also contributes to the spread of diseases hence by addressing the water problem, Government would have averted a looming health disaster.”
Mr Mbongeni Ncube of Tshababala, said water problems also contributed to land pollution as people were now forced to use bush toilets.
“Some bushes have been turned into toilets because of water shortages. We, however, hope that once we have a 24 hour water supply that would be a thing of the past. We would like to commend Government for stepping up efforts aimed at addressing water challenges in Bulawayo,” he said.
Bulawayo residents have for a year now been subjected to three days a week water shedding.
The Government asked Bulawayo City Council to take measures such as augmenting supplies with borehole water to ease pressure on its major supply dam, Insiza Dam.
Online Reporter