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Musawenkosi Moyo
SOME residents of Bulawayo whose water supplies were disconnected by the local authority due to unpaid bills have resorted to illegally reconnecting their water supplies despite facing potential fines of US$150 and even jail time, an investigation by B-Metro reveals.
Many residents, particularly those in the western suburbs, grapple with rising water costs, making it difficult to keep up with their bills. This financial strain, coupled with the essential nature of water, has pushed some to take this risky step.
The risky practice also comes at a time when the Bulawayo City Council (BCC) has resorted to attaching and auctioning property as a way of recovering millions of dollars owed by defaulting ratepayers.
Several city residents risk losing their properties as BCC has since engaged the services of the Messenger of Court. Over 2 000 households have reportedly had their water supplies disconnected as the council seeks to recover a staggering US$50 million from debtors.
According to the latest council minutes, at least 622 households in Lobengula suburbs have been referred to BCC’s legal section to recover debts through court proceedings. One resident, speaking on condition of anonymity, said they are doing so out of desperation.
“I want to pay my water bill and have access to water freely, without fear of disconnection. But the truth is, these rising costs are crippling. I wouldn’t resort to this if I had any other choice. What’s even more frustrating is that we go for weeks without water, and then the city council cuts us off for non-payment. It feels unfair! On top of that, their meter readings seem based on estimates, making it difficult to understand and pay the bills accurately,” said the resident.
Another resident who also preferred anonymity said that they resorted to illegally connecting water supplies because they believed what the local authority was doing was illegal.
“Look, I know what I’m doing is wrong, tampering with the water meter is illegal. But frankly, I don’t believe the city council is being fair either.
“They cut us off for months at a time, then expect us to pay these high bills based on estimates, not actual usage. It feels like they’re squeezing us dry. That’s why I did what I did. Until they start being more transparent and reasonable, I’m afraid I have no other choice,” fumed the resident.
Said another resident: “As residents, we understand the importance of paying bills, but the situation feels unfair. We barely have running water for weeks at a time, and then the council hits us with these high bills based on estimates, not actual usage. On top of that, they threaten disconnection. It feels like extortion and that’s why we end up using this legal route of reconnecting our water supplies”.
Meanwhile, BCC corporate communications manager Nesisa Mpofu, warned residents against committing such illegal acts.
“We are aware that some residents are violating the by-law by illegally reconnecting their water after disconnection. We strongly discourage this practice. The law will catch up to those who break it,” she said.
She further advised residents to pay their bills to avoid inconveniences, seek assistance through legal channels if necessary, and respect council infrastructure and property.
Online Reporter