TENDAI BHEBE
IN BULAWAYO
Bulawayo residents who are enduring a painful water shedding this week expressed their frustration saying they are going for more than three days without water, Business Times can report.
The Bulawayo City Council (BCC) recently introduced a 72 hours water shedding following intensified power outages that have hit the city.
Residents told Business Times the water crisis has escalated.
“It makes us sad because we don’t know when the water is back because sometimes we go for more than three days,” a Nkulumani resident who preferred anonymity said.
Several residents in other suburbs in Bulawayo also aired their frustration.
BBC Corporate Communications Officer, Nesisa Mpofu said water reservoirs have been depleted.
“As a result of those power outages water reservoirs have been depleted and have not been able to recover. We have tried to work with the service provider to the best of our ability but it’s taking longer than anticipated,” Mpofu said.
She said the power outages have resulted in loss of extraction and pumping.
“This is why then we have implemented the 72 hour water shedding to avoid the system from collapsing as the reservoir continues to deplete. We apologise for the inconvenience that has been caused to residents and stakeholders,” Mpofu said.
According to a council water shedding schedule, Bellevue, Newton West, West Somerton, Montrose, Southwold, Sizinda, Tshabalala, Nkulumane 10 to 12, Mpopoma South, Old Pelandaba, Iminyela, Burnside, Pumula North and Pumula East, Cowdray Park, Gwabalanda, Emakhandeni, Barbourfields, Mzilikazi, Nguboyenja and Makokoba, Ilanda, Romney Park, Paddonhurst, Bradfield, Tegela, Emhlangeni and Sunnyside experience water cuts from Thursday last week at 7:30AM and taps were expected to be reopened on Monday at the same time.
Taps were expected to be opened on Friday at 7:30AM and closed on Tuesday at the same time in Esigodini, Imbizo Barracks, Fortunes Gate, Selbourne Park, Matsheumhlope, Parklands, Khumalo, Queenspark, Suburbs Mahatshula, Woodville and Kingsdale.
Nkulumane 5, Nketa, Emganwini, Pumula South, Old Pumula, Pelandaba West, Khami, Magwegwe, Lobengula West, Lobengula, Mabutweni, Matshobane, Njube, Luveve, Mpopoma, Magwegwe North and Magwegwe West, Harrisvale, Trenance Richmond and Sauerstown had supplies disconnected from Saturday at 7:30AM and taps will be reopened on Wednesday at the same time.
