The Bulawayo City Council (BCC) has parked its proposal to introduce a private water utility to manage the city’s water supply system.
This was announced by Ward 17 Councillor Sikhululekile Moyo during the latest Full Council Meeting held at the council chambers on Wednesday.
Cllr Moyo said the proposal would only be reconsidered when the city’s water situation has improved.
The proposal had faced significant criticism from residents, who, through various organizations, expressed concerns, stating that it could potentially increase water costs for community members already struggling with the current rates.
The BCC had been planning to create a stand-alone water utility department to improve the efficiency of managing the city’s water and sanitation services in collaboration with the Dutch company Vitens Evides International (VEI).
The Matabeleland Institute for Human Rights (MIHR) and the Bulawayo Progressive Residents Association (BPRA), who led the residents’ discussions, raised concerns that the water proposal had been made without adequate consultation with the community.
“We want to assure Bulawayo residents that while the water utility proposal is under discussion, we, as Bulawayo councillors, have set it aside and will revisit it once the water situation in Bulawayo improves. It is not something they should be troubled about. They can offer suggestions, but for now, the issue is on hold,” said Cllr Moyo.
City Mayor Cllr David Coltart confirmed the suspension and said more details would be shared in the coming weeks.
“There are a few misconceptions regarding what has been resolved. There is absolutely no intention to privatize Bulawayo’s water authority. That needs to be made clear, and we will clarify this in the coming weeks,” he said.
