Dennis Ndlovu | ZimGBC News<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
City officials cited aging infrastructure and water shedding as key challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOutdated and insufficient vehicles, many of which are non-functional, continue to hamper service delivery,\u201d read part of the statement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The situation is exacerbated by water shedding, which disrupts sewer flow and causes solid waste to accumulate in the pipelines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWater shedding not only affects residents\u2019 access to water but also directly leads to sewer backflows due to low pressure,\u201d the city said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve had to bring in private contractors for jetting and winching services to augment our strained resources,\u201d said a city engineering official who requested anonymity as they were not authorized to speak to the media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis approach has helped us respond faster to critical areas.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Residents in high-risk zones like Nkulumane have welcomed the progress but are calling for long-term solutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe worst part was the unbearable smell,\u201d he said, his face tightening in discomfort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt was completely unhygienic, especially when preparing food. You lose your appetite the moment you step outside and see sewage waste.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He described the psychological toll on families.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGoing to the toilet stopped being normal it became a nightmare. You’d find dirty, smelly water all over the place. It\u2019s not just an inconvenience; it\u2019s a health risk.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He added that the sight of raw sewage near homes strips away dignity and peace of mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt isn\u2019t 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.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He also expressed frustration over the water-shedding schedule, which compounds the issue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhile others wait happily for water, we sit stressed because our drains are blocked. It’s unfair and demoralizing.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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