Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe, Zimpapers Senior Writer
THE combined electricity consumption at key water pumping stations in Bulawayo — Ncema, Fernhill, Inyankuni and Umzingwane — has surged significantly over the first five months of 2025 driven by heightened demand for water amid intensifying dry season conditions, council records show.
Latest data shows that Ncema and Fernhill stations alone recorded a staggering combined usage of over 10 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) in May 2025, underscoring the massive energy input required to keep the city’s reservoirs adequately supplied.
Ncema Water Works saw a sharp increase in power consumption, rising from 2 934 020kWh in April to 5 075 360kWh in May, while Fernhill mirrored the trend, climbing from 2 996 840,03kWh in April to 5 009 201kWh in May.
The figures reflect a broader operational strategy aimed at boosting pumping output in anticipation of heightened water demand during the peak dry months.
According to the latest council report, Ncema’s energy usage began at 2 736 510kWh in January, dipped slightly in March to 2 381 180kWh, and peaked in May — a trend mirrored at Fernhill, which began the year at 2 775 444kWh and reached its highest in May.
The May spike was driven by intensified pumping schedules to stabilise reservoir levels as council approached peak consumption periods.
While the two stations operated with similar load profiles, Ncema recorded higher monthly figures than Fernhill in all months except February and April, indicating marginal differences in system demand and layout.
Energy efficiency remains a pressing concern, especially as power disruptions could severely compromise municipal water delivery. Authorities are actively exploring alternative energy solutions, including solar and hybrid power systems, to lessen dependence on the national grid.
The situation is similar at Inyankuni and Umzingwane dams, where energy usage patterns have also sharply increased.
According to operational data, Inyankuni registered its highest monthly usage in May at 301 310kWh, up from 160 571kWh in April, representing an 87,6 percent increase.
The lowest was in January, at 127 006kWh.
A steady climb in consumption has been noted as pumping activity intensified to cater for rising urban demand.
At Umzingwane, the situation showed more fluctuation.
The dam recorded 260 158kWh in May, rebounding significantly from just 46 804kWh in March. February saw 120 412kWh, while April reflected 99 880kWh.
Speaking on the usage patterns, an independent engineer, Eng Elton Ncube said “Energy usage directly reflects pumping intensity. As demand for water surges in urban areas and dam levels drop, more energy is needed to extract and transport water.”
System configuration, elevation and pumping distances are key factors behind the disparity in energy usage.
Inyankuni operates with high-lift pumps and covers broader supply zones hence the elevated figures compared to Umzingwane.
Council said the electricity billing data revealed a clear financial benefit to prioritising water pumping during off-peak hours.
Although similar volumes as shown were pumped across peak and off-peak periods, the unit cost of electricity during off-peak hours was significantly lower up to 60 percent less per litre at both Ncema and Fernhill stations.
“At Ncema, for instance, pumping during peak periods cost over 5,50 ZwG per litre, while off-peak operations averaged just above 2,00 ZwG per litre,” reads part of the report.
“Fernhill showed a similar trend, with off-peak rates nearly half the cost of peak-time pumping. This meant we spent a lot more money for the same amount of water if we operated during expensive peak operating hours. By shifting more pumping to off-peak times, the city could save significantly on electricity costs without reducing the amount of water supplied.”
Bongani Ndlovu