Kudzai Madenga
The Matebeleland Institute for Human Rights (MIHR) hosted a Water Assembly Indaba on Wednesday, bringing together residents, experts, and local authorities to discuss a proposal to establish a water utility company aimed at improving water financing in Bulawayo.
The indaba followed a recent council meeting where the idea of setting up a water utility was floated. Residents and experts were invited to share their views and raise questions on the proposed initiative.
During the plenary session, accountability and corruption concerns dominated discussions. A resident questioned the measures in place to prevent corruption, while MIHR Coordinator Khumbulani Maphosa challenged the concept of a utility company, asking, “Is this not commercialisation and commodification of water?”
In response, development practitioner Khumbulani Ndlovu clarified that the proposed utility would not be a private entity but a public company with the Bulawayo City Council as the major shareholder.
“From my experience in Tanzania and Zambia, where similar utilities exist, such entities are regulated. The regulator will oversee critical issues such as tariffs and service delivery,” Ndlovu explained.
Engineer Robson Manatsa, Project Manager at Waterworx Vei, emphasized that the utility would remain 100% council-owned. He added that Vei’s role would be to provide financial support and technical expertise.
Town Clerk Christopher Dube urged residents to embrace reforms and support initiatives aimed at attracting investors to improve Bulawayo’s water sector.
“Reforms are essential for progress. We’ve partnered with Vei to make Bulawayo a more attractive destination for water sector investment. Let’s not chase away these opportunities,” Dube said.
However, some residents expressed reservations, arguing that the council should undertake the project independently. Others called for broader community consultations to ensure inclusive decision-making.
“I encourage all residents to engage in constructive dialogues that contribute to the city’s development,” Manatsa added.
City councillors are expected to conduct ward-based meetings to gather more input from residents on the water utility proposal before making a final decision.
