Zim GBC News | Gender and Community
BULAWAYO – The City of Bulawayo has announced that its water supply system remains unstable due to technical challenges affecting both the Umzingwane water supply system and the Nyamandlovu aquifer, leaving many residents, particularly in high-lying areas, without reliable access to water.
In a statement, Town Clerk Christopher Dube detailed the issues plaguing the city’s water infrastructure and the measures being implemented to address the crisis.
Technical Challenges at Pumping Stations
Dube explained that the Umzingwane system experienced a protection system malfunction shortly after its recent restart.
“This system is designed to safeguard electrical equipment by automatically switching off power during faults. However, in this instance, it has been prematurely cutting off power, preventing the system from operating as intended,” Dube stated.
To maintain partial functionality, the council has implemented a temporary bypass of the protection system.
“This has allowed one of the pumps at Umzingwane to operate under strict safety monitoring. The City will continue working to implement a permanent solution and ensure system stability,” he added.
Power Interruptions Compound Water Crisis
The water crisis was further exacerbated by power supply interruptions at the Cowdray Park booster pump station from the Nyamandlovu aquifer. According to Dube, the fault occurred on Friday but has since been resolved.
“Power has since been restored, and pumping has resumed. The City’s water supply remains unstable, although restoration of supplies has started in some areas as per the 130-hour water-shedding schedule,” Dube confirmed.
High-Lying Areas Worst Affected
The Town Clerk acknowledged that elevated areas continue to bear the brunt of the water shortages.
“High lying areas continue to be affected due to low reservoir levels and low water pressure,” he said.
In response to the crisis, the Council has deployed emergency measures to assist affected communities.
“To alleviate the impact on residents, the City has deployed water bowsers to distribute water to the most affected communities,” Dube announced.
The ongoing water challenges highlight the persistent infrastructure issues facing Zimbabwe’s second-largest city, with residents continuing to endure prolonged water-shedding schedules despite council interventions.
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