Providence Moyo
In a pivotal move for Bulawayo, the City Council has decided to put the brakes on a proposed water utility company, a decision that follows weeks of intense public scrutiny and protests. The reversal, announced during the council’s 3375th Full Council Meeting on September 4, 2024, marks a significant shift in response to widespread concerns from residents and civil society groups.
Ward 17 Councillor Sikhululekile Moyo and Mayor Senator David Coltart addressed the city’s anxieties by clarifying that the proposal would be revisited only after the current water crisis is resolved. “We need to assure the residents of Bulawayo that there is an issue they are discussing about a water utility,” Councillor Moyo asserted. “We as Bulawayo Councillors have set it aside and we will relook at it when there is water in Bulawayo.”
Mayor Coltart reinforced this stance, emphasizing that there are “absolutely no intentions to privatize Bulawayo’s water authority.” He reassured the public that the council remains committed to transparency and will keep residents informed about any future decisions regarding the water utility.
The Matabeleland Institute for Human Rights (MIHR) played a crucial role in mobilizing public opposition to the proposal. MIHR director Khumbulani Maphosa hailed the council’s decision as a triumph for public engagement. “This is a victory for the people of Bulawayo,” Maphosa declared. “It demonstrates the power of public participation and the importance of holding elected officials accountable.”
MIHR has also called for improved transparency and more inclusive consultation processes in future public policy discussions. They stress the need for ongoing community involvement in decisions impacting local lives.
As Bulawayo remains in the throes of a water shortage crisis, the council’s decision to pause the water utility proposal is seen as a step towards rebuilding trust and working collaboratively with the community to address the city’s pressing water needs.
