Venus Charumbira
Zim GBC Reporter
Residents hoping for relief after recent rains are left disappointed, as Bulawayo Council revealed that low dam levels, illegal riverbed mining and blocked waterways are keeping the water crisis alive.
At a meeting held on 23 February 2026, councillors discussed a report from the Future Water Supplies and Water Action Committee. With most recommendations accepted, concerns were raised about why water shedding is still happening.
Councillor T. Zidya was concerned about water shedding which had continued after the recently received rains. He also pointed out that the City has received new boreholes to help with the water situation.
“Water shedding should now be suspended, the city had received number of boreholes which were there to alternate the current water situation”.
Councillor K. Ndlovu in response explained that dam levels are only at 53%. He noted that residents need to know this so they understand why water shedding continues.
He also went on to blame dug pits and soil heaps in the river bed for blocking water flow to the dam.
“The river bed had a lot of dug pits, heaps of soils which prevented a smooth flow of water to the dam”.
The Mayor, Senator David Coltart expressed concerns about a borehole dug right on the river bed, calling it unacceptable. He noted that Mtshabezi dam is now spilling and unlike Mzingwane, that river has no mining activity.
“Mtshabezi was spilling because there were not mining activities, efforts were made to engage the parent Ministry and office of the President and Cabinet”, he noted.
Councillor K. Ndlovu called for an urgent meeting with the Chinese mining company undertaking mining activities with a meeting to be organized promptly.
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