Providence Moyo
As the 2025 National Budget consultations approach, persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Bulawayo are pushing for a budget that addresses the city’s ongoing water challenges.
They argue that their specific needs should be prioritized in light of the persistent water shortages affecting the region.
Sukoluhle Mhlanga, a PWD, said persons with disabilities face unique difficulties in accessing water.
“We need to consider that persons with disabilities face double challenges when it comes to access to water,” Mhlanga said.
Tsepang Nare, another advocate for PWDs, emphasized the importance of water for their involvement in agriculture.
“Water is essential for our livelihood, without consistent access to water, agricultural efforts are severely affected,” Nare pointed out.
Disability rights activists Tariro Gurure and Abednico Moyo echoed these sentiments, stressing the need for the upcoming budget to prioritize water access for PWDs.
“A water crisis-sensitive budget will be essential to address the challenges faced by PWDs in Bulawayo,” Gurure said.
The Bulawayo City Council has proposed a $309 million budget for 2025, which includes a new water levy aimed at rehabilitating aging infrastructure.
However, the city’s ongoing appeal for the water crisis to be declared a national emergency has not been addressed by the government.
Water scarcity remains a significant concern, with organisations like the Matebeleland Institute for Human Rights raising issues about violence and exploitation at alternative water points. They warn that water mafias are taking control, worsening the plight of vulnerable groups like PWDs.
As budget consultations begin, PWDs in Bulawayo remain hopeful that their call for a water crisis-sensitive budget will be heard.
