Online Reporter
Peter Matika, [email protected]
Following improved inflows into the city’s supply dams during the 2025/26 rainy season, the Bulawayo City Council has reduced its water-shedding regime from 96 to 72 hours per week, bringing relief to residents who had been facing tighter restrictions.
In a public notice issued yesterday, the local authority said it held a meeting last week where it approved the new water shedding schedule with immediate effect, reducing the duration of cuts in several suburbs as dam levels continue to improve.
The local authority has said the adjustment follows increased raw water inflows into the city’s supply dams, although some areas supplied through the Tuli Reservoir will remain under a longer 120-hour to 96-hour shedding cycle due to ongoing repair works at the clear water Sulzer pumps.
“The City of Bulawayo would like to advise residents and stakeholders that council at its meeting on Wednesday, 06 May 2026, approved the introduction of the 72-hour weekly water shedding programme from the current 96-hour water shedding programme with immediate effect,” reads the notice.
According to the latest council minutes, the city’s supply dams had reached 70,36 percent capacity by the end of March following a favourable rainy season, an improvement compared to previous years when dam levels dropped to critical levels, forcing the city into prolonged 144-hour weekly water shedding schedules.
Bulawayo Mayor, Councillor David Coltart, is on record acknowledging the improved water situation, saying the city was now working towards stabilising supplies while addressing longstanding infrastructure challenges.
“Mtshabezi Dam is now spilling, but only nine megalitres are being pumped into the city because of the limitations of the existing pipeline,” said Clr Coltart.
“The Water Technical Committee recommended duplication of the pipeline and installation of a solar-powered system to stabilise pumping operations.”
Council documents show that despite the improved dam levels, the city still requires at least US$15 million to urgently rehabilitate critical infrastructure, including the ageing Tuli Pump Station, which officials said had outlived its operational lifespan.
The minutes further indicate that persistent pipe leaks, frequent pump failures and obsolete equipment along the conveyance system continue to affect the volume of raw water reaching the Criterion Water Treatment Plant.
However, the council has said efforts are underway to improve operations and strengthen service delivery within the Water and Sanitation Department.
Authorities are also moving to expedite the operationalisation of the proposed Bulawayo Water Utility, an entity
expected to improve water governance and enhance service delivery.
The interim board is expected to include representatives from residents’ associations alongside council officials, in a move aimed at strengthening community participation in water management issues.
Residents who spoke to the Chronicle welcomed the reduction in water shedding hours, saying the revised programme would ease pressure on households and businesses.
Mrs Nomsa Moyo of Cowdray Park said the new schedule will bring hope to many families that have endured severe shortages in recent months.
“We are happy that council has reduced the water shedding hours because life has become very difficult. Families were struggling to cope, and we hope the situation continues improving,” she said.
Mr Themba Ncube of Luveve said improved dam levels and the revised schedule were encouraging signs.
“We appreciate the efforts being made to improve supplies. What is important now is for council to continue repairing the infrastructure so that residents can fully benefit from the improved water levels,” he said.
In Pumula South, small business operators said a more predictable water schedule would help improve operations.
Ms Yvonne Dube, who operates a catering business, said businesses were hopeful that conditions would continue improving.
“When water availability improves, it helps us plan better and reduce losses. We are encouraged by the latest developments,” she said.
Bulawayo has for years battled recurring water shortages caused by low rainfall patterns, ageing infrastructure and increasing demand driven by population growth and industrial activity.
Government has since intensified efforts to provide a long-term solution through the Gwayi-Shangani Dam project, which is expected to eventually supply raw water to Bulawayo and the surrounding areas.
The Second Republic has repeatedly described completion of the project as a national priority because of its strategic importance to Bulawayo’s industrial revival and long-term water security.
Last year, Government also intervened to assist Bulawayo City Council with emergency rehabilitation works at key pumping stations and water treatment facilities following repeated infrastructure breakdowns.
Residents’ associations and business leaders have meanwhile continued calling for sustained investment into the city’s ageing water infrastructure to ensure improved dam levels translate into reliable water supplies for households and industry.
