Dennis Ndlovu | ZimGBC News
The City of Bulawayo has intensified efforts to address a surge in sewer blockages, clearing 1,940 chokes in August alone, according to a recent municipal press release.
The city is currently grappling with a rising number of reports, receiving between 90 and 120 cases daily. Areas such as Nkulumane have emerged as particular hotspots, contributing nearly half of all incidents.
City officials cited aging infrastructure and water shedding as key challenges.
“Outdated and insufficient vehicles, many of which are non-functional, continue to hamper service delivery,” read part of the statement.
The situation is exacerbated by water shedding, which disrupts sewer flow and causes solid waste to accumulate in the pipelines.
“Water shedding not only affects residents’ access to water but also directly leads to sewer backflows due to low pressure,” the city said.
Despite these hurdles, the municipality reduced its sewer choke backlog from 823 to 338 cases in August. Officials attributed this improvement to emergency interventions and partnerships with private contractors.
“We’ve had to bring in private contractors for jetting and winching services to augment our strained resources,” said a city engineering official who requested anonymity as they were not authorized to speak to the media.
“This approach has helped us respond faster to critical areas.”
Residents in high-risk zones like Nkulumane have welcomed the progress but are calling for long-term solutions.
Zibusiso Ncube, a resident of Nkulumane 5, described the grim reality of living with persistent drainage blockages an issue that has turned basic home life into a health hazard.
“The worst part was the unbearable smell,” he said, his face tightening in discomfort.
“It was completely unhygienic, especially when preparing food. You lose your appetite the moment you step outside and see sewage waste.”
He described the psychological toll on families.
“Going to the toilet stopped being normal it became a nightmare. You’d find dirty, smelly water all over the place. It’s not just an inconvenience; it’s a health risk.”
He added that the sight of raw sewage near homes strips away dignity and peace of mind.
“It isn’t right. You step out of your house and the first thing you see is feces and waste. That alone kills your mood and your appetite.”
He also expressed frustration over the water-shedding schedule, which compounds the issue.
“While others wait happily for water, we sit stressed because our drains are blocked. It’s unfair and demoralizing.”
The City of Bulawayo urged residents to avoid disposing of solid waste into sewer systems and to report any chokes promptly. Authorities emphasized the need for increased funding to upgrade equipment and ensure uninterrupted service delivery.
As the rainy season approaches, officials fear that unresolved sewer chokes could lead to increased public health risks, including disease outbreaks, if not urgently addressed.
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