Rumbidzai Mhlanga
Bulawayo, Zimbabwe – On February 14, 2025, Women In Leadership and Development (WILD) and the Bulawayo Progressive Residents Association (BPRA) held a workshop to discuss the complexities of water utility management.
The event, themed “Water for All, Governance for All,” focused on enhancing transparency and citizen involvement in water governance.
Zibusiso John Dube from Accountability Lab explained water privatization, noting, “Privatisation in its very basic sense is the increase in the participation of formal private enterprises in water and sanitation provisions.” He clarified that this does not equate to private ownership of water resources. He highlighted Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), stating, “You might also come across the terms Public Private Partnership. People might not realize this, but the moment it’s termed in that way, that is also an instance of privatization; it means someone was given a contract to provide some services.”
Dube also touched on privatization across other Zimbabwean services, urging a nuanced understanding of the policy landscape. “There are a lot of factors that led to the situation we are facing today where local authorities and the Government say water should be privatised,” he pointed out, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive view.
The workshop explored both the benefits and drawbacks of water privatization, recognizing public reservations but advocating for an informed discussion on future strategies. “Even though most people are not of the idea, we should know that there are some advantages to the privatisation of water,” Dube stated.
The event concluded with a call for better governance, stressing transparency, accountability, and community participation in shaping water policies. By fostering dialogue, WILD and BPRA aim for a more inclusive, sustainable water management approach, ensuring all stakeholders have a voice.
