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Innocent Sibonginkosi Ncube | Zim GBC News<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bulawayo – Despite persistent heavy rains across much of Zimbabwe, the City of Bulawayo remains gripped by a severe water crisis, with all its supply dams still below 50% capacity, forcing the continuation of stringent water rationing in all suburbs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Recent statistics from the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) reveal a stark contrast: while the national average dam level stands at a healthy 85.6%, Bulawayo\u2019s key reservoirs are languishing. As of 14 January, not a single dam supplying the city had reached even half of its storage potential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe situation remains precarious,\u201d a senior council official told Zim GBC News on condition of anonymity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe rains have not translated into meaningful inflows for our catchment areas. Consequently, the tight water-shedding regime across all suburbs must continue to stretch the available resources.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The latest dam levels paint a concerning picture:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u00b7 Insiza Dam: 45.9% (Best performer)
\u00b7 Upper Ncema Dam: 35.2%
\u00b7 Lower Ncema Dam: 31.9%
\u00b7 Umzingwane Dam: 28.8%
\u00b7 Inyankuni Dam: A critically low 10.6%<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cInyankuni\u2019s level means its contribution is now minimal,\u201d explained City Council official.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe pressure on the other dams is immense, and with the city\u2019s growth and aging infrastructure, rationing is not a choice but a necessity for the foreseeable future.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The crisis is exacerbated by illegal gold panning activities in the catchment areas of Upper Ncema, Inyankuni, and Umzingwane dams. These activities destroy riverbeds, reducing water flow into the reservoirs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A recent Bulawayo City Council (BCC) report highlighted ongoing joint patrols with the police, noting that \u201ceight illegal gold panners were arrested and eighty-six tools, including four detector machines, were confiscated.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The council believes these activities significantly undermine rainfall capture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Authorities point to three short-to-medium-term solutions needing urgent funding: constructing the Glass Block Dam in Insiza, repairing the Ncema water treatment plant, and rehabilitating 22 boreholes at the Nyamandlovu Aquifer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe feasibility studies for Glass Block Dam were done in 1988,\u201d lamented a council engineer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat we lack is the capital. A declaration of the city as a water crisis area could unlock the necessary funding avenues.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The City’s\u2019s plight is part of a longer-term decline. Data shows dam levels at the end of each rainy season have been on a general downward trend since 2015, with the lowest recent point being 35.27% in 2020.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With the current rationing schedule expected to remain in force, residents and industries are urged to intensify water conservation efforts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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