Innocent Sibonginkosi Ncube
BULAWAYO – The ongoing sewerage crisis in City of Kings and Queens continues to plague residential areas, with local councillors expressing frustration over the ineffectiveness of recently hired contractors to address the issue.
Despite efforts to involve external contractors, residents are still grappling with burst sewer pipes that pose significant health risks.
Reports of sewage bursts have become increasingly common, leading to contaminated water flowing through neighborhoods and heightening the risk of waterborne diseases.
In August 2024, the Bulawayo City Council engaged four contractors—Nambs Investments (Pvt) Ltd, Tokologo Technical (Pvt) Ltd, Saltavay Enterprises (Pvt) Ltd, and Mine Assistance Company P/L T/A MAC—to assess and rectify the city’s malfunctioning sewer systems.
However, during a Full Council Meeting held on Wednesday, Ward 17 Councillor Sikhululekile Moyo voiced her concerns over the lack of visible progress.
“We have not seen any improvement in our communities,” Moyo stated.
“People are still living with the stench of burst sewer pipes. When repairs are made, the bursts recur shortly afterward. We need a more permanent solution to this problem.”
Councillor Perseverance Nyathi echoed Moyo’s sentiments, questioning the effectiveness of the contracted companies.
“We want to know if these companies are still working on the issue. Can they not help us more effectively? There hasn’t been any improvement,” Nyathi remarked.
Residents have also expressed their frustrations regarding the situation. One resident from Emganwini reported that raw sewage has been flowing through their yard for nearly a month.
“It’s been nearly a month with sewage flooding my yard. Despite making numerous reports to the council and visiting their offices several times, nothing has been done,” the resident lamented.
“My children can’t play outside because the yard is filled with sewage.”
As the crisis continues to affect the health and well-being of Bulawayo residents, calls for immediate and effective action from the council and contracted companies are growing louder. The community is left waiting for a solution to the persistent sewerage issues that have disrupted their daily lives.
Zim GBC News©2024