Parly calls for speedy release of funds for Byo water projects

Source: Parly calls for speedy release of funds for Byo water projects – herald

Daniel Chigunwe

Herald Correspondent

PARLIAMENT has called on Treasury to expedite the release of funds designated for critical infrastructure projects aimed at alleviating the persistent water challenges plaguing Bulawayo.

A report presented by the chairman of the Joint Portfolio Committee on Local Government, Public Works and National Housing, Dr Maxmore Njanji, revealed that a combination of environmental factors has exacerbated the city’s water challenges.

The committee’s inquiry in 2024 highlighted a significant water supply deficit, with a daily demand of 165 mega litres compared to the present supply capacity of just 120 mega litres. Most of Bulawayo’s water is sourced from five dams, the Nyamandlovu Aquifer and Epping Forest boreholes, which have struggled to meet the needs of over one million residents.

The committee underscored the urgent need to complete ongoing infrastructure projects to mitigate the deficit.

To combat the Bulawayo water issues that have been running for nearly two decades, the Second Republic has initiated various dam construction and infrastructure rehabilitation projects.

Among these is the Lake Gwayi-Shangani construction, which, on completion, is anticipated to supply 220 mega litres of water daily, far exceeding the city’s current demand.

The project is seen as a potential game-changer in resolving Bulawayo’s chronic water shortages.

Additionally, the Government has allocated US$14 million for the duplication of the Umzingwane Dam pipeline, although these funds have yet to be disbursed.

The committee reported that Umzingwane Dam had reached a critical stage, having been decommissioned in November 2023, with water levels dropping below 2,2 percent, said Dr Njanji.

Efforts are underway to install two new pumps at the Ncema Water Treatment Plant, each with a capacity of 21 mega litres.

The upgrade is a significant improvement over the outdated pumps, which could only manage 16 mega litres.

“This upgrade will enhance water supply to the Ncema Water Treatment Plant,” the report revealed.

Further, a pipeline duplication project is in the works to connect Umzingwane Dam with Umtshabezi Dam.

This 42km pipeline will enable the transfer of raw water, using gravitational flow when Umzingwane Dam is at 50 percent capacity.

However, pumps will be required to maintain flow when levels fall below this threshold.

As of September 30 last year, Treasury had availed US$8 million for the National Matabeleland Zambezi Water Project (NMZWP), primarily directed towards constructing a hydro-power station.

The allocation is short of the estimated US$84 million needed to complete the Lake Gwayi-Shangani wall using roller-compacted technology, noted Dr Njanji.

The committee called for the urgent allocation of funds in full, in the 2025 financial year, to maintain momentum and create the impetus required to complete the Lake Gwayi-Shangani project. Committee member and Zanu PF legislator for Cowdray Park, Cde Arthur Mujeyi, applauded the Government’s efforts but stressed the importance of accelerated progress.

“We need to gather momentum towards completing the monumental Gwayi-Shangani Project,” he said.