Story by Yolanda Moyo
THE government has reiterated its unwavering commitment to resolving Bulawayo’s long-standing water challenges, with the Glassblock Dam project identified as a vital mid-term solution.
Set to be developed through a public-private partnership, the Dam is expected to increase Bulawayo’s water supply by 70%, offering much-needed relief to both residents and industries.
Finance, Economic Development, and Investment Promotion Minister, Professor Mthuli Ncube, recently outlined the government’s three-pronged approach to addressing Bulawayo’s water challenges in an interview with ZBC News.
“The President has put the development of infrastructure at the top of the government’s priorities. This development of infrastructure is multi-faceted, with the provision of water infrastructure being one of them,” Professor Ncube said.
“That is why President Emmerson Mnangagwa launched the Presidential Borehole Drilling Scheme, amongst other programmes. We have noted that Bulawayo has been facing water challenges, and as government, we have moved in with a three-pronged approach to ensure the challenge is addressed.
“We all know that the government is constructing the Gwayi Shangani Dam as a long-term measure to this challenge. We are currently going through the contractual details of the Glass Block Dam which is expected to be the mid-term solution to the challenge we are facing, and soon, once we finish on the details construction is set to begin.”
In addition to the dam construction, government is also focused on supporting the Bulawayo City Council to improve water pumping efficiency and address the extensive water leakages, which account for a staggering 46 % loss of the non-revenue water.
“The government is committed to providing financial and technical assistance to the Bulawayo City Council. This support will enable them to upgrade their water infrastructure, improve pumping efficiency, and urgently repair the leakages that are causing such significant losses. We cannot afford to lose nearly half of our treated water,” Professor Mthuli said.
The government’s multifaceted approach to infrastructure development, with a strong emphasis on water infrastructure, aligns with the nation’s broader vision of achieving an upper middle income society status by 2030.
