This morning, Women’s Institute for Leadership Development (WILD) joined various stakeholders in and around Bulawayo for a Water Crisis Committee meeting that was hosted by Bulawayo City Council (BCC). The meeting was aimed at discussing and disseminating information about the ongoing water crisis which has led to an introduction of water conservation mechanisms such as water rationing and water shedding.
The following issues were discussed:
- Raw water reservoir levels have dropped and it will take a period of two weeks to repair damaged pumps,
- So far, as of the 3rd of February 2019 at least two of the damaged pumps have been repaired and resuscitated,
- There was an increase in the residents’ consumption of water due to the ‘stay away.’ This interrupted normal water supply,
- The city has reduced water supply by 15% in industrial, high and low residential areas since the advent of the water rationing schedule,
- Bulawayo’s water supply currently stands at 60% and will not last the City until the next rainy season,
- Judging from the current rainfall patterns, the city’s water supply will be depleted in April 2020,
- Technological advancements which will modernize and redevelop water pipelines and pumps ought to be introduced so that the city is able to deal with the water crisis.
- Bulawayo City Council representatives encouraged residents to pay their bills so that they can deliver improved service delivery.
Source: Women’s Institute for Leadership Development
