Regional Human Capital Operations Manager – Human Capital x2 (Harare)

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ABAP Developer: Level 9 (Harare)

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The Bulawayo City Council (BCC) has resolved to have all trees on which suicide cases were committed pruned to prevent easy climbing and make them inaccessible to those intending to take their lives, reported <a href="https://www.sundaynews.co.zw/bcc-orders-pruning-of-suicide-trees/">The Sunday News</a>.
The resolution follows a petition by Old Lobengula residents written to the local authority requesting the cutting down of a tree where a suicide case occurred last month.
The residents argued that children or pupils from Nyamande Primary School, where the tree is located — might eat its fruit, which was taboo in terms of African tradition. Reads the petition:
<blockquote>
We hereby apply to the concerned authorities to kindly help us cut down a tree (uMsawa tree), on which a suicide was committed on 5 November 2024. The tree is close to the school fence, and it is an edible tree (umsawa tree).
As concerned parents and guardians, we are very much concerned that the children/pupils might eat its fruit which in our African beliefs is taboo for fruits of such a tree to be consumed.
Since the tree is close to the school and also within the residential homes, it has a psychological effect on children and the community.
The family of the deceased also requested the removal of the tree as culture dictates. We hope our sincere request will receive your most urgent and favourable consideration.
</blockquote>
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) recently revealed that Bulawayo recorded 21 suicide cases from June this year, with 20 of them being male victims.
In a report, after councillors deliberated on the petition by residents, the local authority noted that there have been divergent views on the matter, adding the trees were not the problem but the challenges were deeper than that with the trees used as vehicles for suicide. Reads the report:
<blockquote>
From an environmental management point of view, it was, however, within council’s mandate to prune trees and ensure they were safe.
This exercise could help mitigate the ease of tree access, removal of trees totally would be difficult given that it took 50 or more years to grow an indigenous tree, and many trees might be finished under such circumstances, considering the upsurge in deaths by hanging on trees in recent months.
Indeed the situation was bad. As such, a pragmatic and holistic approach was needed, not an emotional and reactive response.
The root cause should be addressed instead of just the removal of trees, which were difficult for nature under the climate-changed environment.
</blockquote>
According to the report, one of the councillors who contributed to the debate, Councillor Siboniso Moyo, said the tree should be cut down, and not pruned. Reads the report:
<blockquote>
Councillor Siboniso Moyo highlighted that the request was for the tree to be cut and not pruned. She agreed with the request citing that the edible tree was near a primary school and pupils from the school were eating the fruits from that tree.
Some pupils were even found with ropes dramatising what they saw on that tree. Tragedy might occur as pupils were taking it like kids’ play.
</blockquote>
However, Councillor Dumisani Netha indicated that the preservation of trees was very important, therefore, the tree should not be cut down. Reads the report:
<blockquote>
It was necessary to cut only the branch where the hanging took place. He felt that cutting down every suicide tree was not good for the environment.
He gave an example that at a park in Ward 14, five suicides occurred in a short space of time and all the trees were cut down resulting in an unfriendly environment.
</blockquote>
Suicide among men can be influenced by a variety of complex factors. Conditions such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD are significant risk factors. Men may be less likely to seek help for these issues due to stigma.
Cultural norms often pressure men to be strong and self-reliant, which can discourage them from expressing vulnerability or seeking support.
Alcohol and drug misuse can increase impulsivity and exacerbate mental health issues, leading to higher suicide risk.
Difficulties in personal relationships, including breakups or family issues, can contribute to feelings of hopelessness.
Financial problems, unemployment, or job-related stress can lead to feelings of inadequacy and despair.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

The Bulawayo City Council wants to trim trees where people have tried to harm themselves. Residents want a tree cut down after a suicide was attempted. The council thinks pruning trees can help prevent more suicides. Some feel the trees are not the real problem. Men in Bulawayo are mostly affected by suicide. Many factors like depression and substance abuse can lead to suicide attempts. The council debates whether to cut down trees or just prune them. It's important to address the root causes of suicide, not just remove trees.

Bulawayo City Council Orders Pruning Of "Suicide Trees"

Bulawayo Mayor David Coltart has said he was unaware of the bribery allegations against the city’s Deputy Mayor, Councillor Edwin Ndlovu, and the Chairperson of the Council’s Finance and Development Committee, Councillor Mpumelelo Moyo, before their arrest on Thursday night.
Ndlovu and Moyo, who represent Ward 8 and Ward 26 respectively, are accused of demanding a bribe of US$20,000 from a company seeking to invest in Bulawayo.
The two were arrested by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) and are currently being held at Mzilikazi Police Station. They are expected to appear in court on Saturday.
In a post on X on Friday, Coltart revealed that he was first made aware of the allegations when the Town Clerk briefed him earlier that morning. Said Coltart:
<blockquote>
This morning I was advised that the Deputy Mayor of Bulawayo Clr Edwin Ndlovu and the Chairperson of the BCC Finance Committee Clr Mpumelelo Moyo were arrested last night on allegations of corruption.
I was not aware of these allegations prior to the Town Clerk briefing me this morning. I await further information but the law must take its course.
I call for a thorough and fair investigation of these allegations. From the outset of my term as Mayor I have stated that we must adopt a zero tolerance policy towards corruption.
But allegations such as these must be investigated and tried through a fair, independent and professional judiciary.
</blockquote>
According to ZACC Communications Manager, Simiso Mlevu, Ndlovu and Moyo demanded US$20,000 from Labenmon Investments as payment for facilitating approval for land to establish a cement mixing plant. She said:
<blockquote>
The circumstances are that, in November 2023, Tsitsi Mapfumo of Labenmon Investments made an unsuccessful application for 10 hectares of land from the Bulawayo City Council for a cement mixing plant.
</blockquote>
Mlevu said Labenmon Investments resubmitted the application in April 2024 and was offered 5.6 hectares. She added:
<blockquote>
After Labenmon Investments received an offer letter, the accused allegedly approached Mapfumo, demanding a reward of US$20,000 on behalf of 20 other Bulawayo City Council councillors for facilitating the approval.
</blockquote>
A report was filed with ZACC, prompting the arrests of Ndlovu and Moyo.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The Mayor of Bulawayo, David Coltart, didn't know about bribery claims against his Deputy Mayor and Council Chairperson before they were arrested by ZACC. The accused demanded $20,000 from a company for land approval. They are in jail and will appear in court soon. Coltart wants fairness in the investigation. Labenmon Investments filed a report with ZACC. The Mayor thinks corruption should not be tolerated. The bribery allegations need to be looked at by an independent judiciary. This happened because the company applied for land for a cement plant.

Bulawayo Mayor Unaware Of Bribery Allegations Against His Deputy Before Arrest

Bulawayo’s Deputy Mayor, Edwin Ndlovu, and the Chairperson of the Finance and Development Committee, Councillor Mpumelelo Moyo, have been arrested by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) on charges of bribery.
Ndlovu represents Ward 8, while Moyo represents Ward 26 on the Bulawayo City Council.
The two councillors are accused of demanding a bribe of US$20,000 from a company looking to invest in Bulawayo.
ZACC Communications Manager, Simiso Mlevu, confirmed the arrests and the nature of the allegations to <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/bulawayo-deputy-mayor-and-finance-and-development-committee-chairperson-arrested-for-bribery/">Chronicle</a>. She said:
<blockquote>
… they demanded US$20,000 from Labenmon Investments as payment for facilitating approval for land to establish a cement mixing plant.
The circumstances are that, in November 2023, Tsitsi Mapfumo of Labenmon Investments made an unsuccessful application for 10 hectares of land from the Bulawayo City Council for a cement mixing plant.
</blockquote>
Mlevu said Labenmon Investments resubmitted the application in April 2024 and was offered 5.6 hectares. She added:
<blockquote>
After Labenmon Investments received an offer letter, the accused allegedly approached Mapfumo, demanding a reward of US$20,000 on behalf of 20 other Bulawayo City Council councillors for facilitating the approval.
</blockquote>
A report was filed with ZACC, prompting the arrests of Ndlovu and Moyo. The two are currently being held at Mzilikazi Police Station and are expected to appear in court on Saturday.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The Deputy Mayor of Bulawayo and the Chairperson of the Finance and Development Committee were arrested for asking for money from a company that wanted to invest. They wanted $20,000 for helping the company get approval for land. The company made a report, and now the councillors are in trouble. They are in jail and will go to court. They are accused of bribery.

Bulawayo Deputy Mayor Arrested For Bribery

A 98-year-old bed-ridden pensioner, Neban Nyalenda, has been without water at his home in Bulawayo since the beginning of the year after the Bulawayo City Council (BCC) disconnected his supply over a US$500 bill.
Nyalenda, a widower of Zambian origin, worked for BCC as a bioscope operator for 42 years, from 1952 until his retirement in 1994.
Speaking to <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/bedridden-bcc-pensioner-98-who-worked-for-council-for-42-years-has-water-disconnected-over-unpaid-bill/">Chronicle</a>, the nonagenarian, who lives in Mzilikazi Suburb at Number 70 Thokozani Flats, said that he now relies on borehole water, which he knows is unsafe, but sometimes receives help from good neighbours who provide him with purified tap water and food. He said:
<blockquote>
They came here early this year and knocked on the door but because I am bedridden I could not open the door. The next thing I realized there was no water coming out of my tap. The situation has been unbearable for me since then.
</blockquote>
He said that he has seven children, but only one of them lives with him, while his only daughter resides in Zambia.
When asked why his children were not looking after him, the elderly man shook his head before quietly responding. He said:
<blockquote>
The one I am living with is not well too just like me while the other six constantly say they have other financial contributions in their families to take care of.
Once in a while, I can receive a bag of mealie meal, especially from the one staying in Gwanda but generally, life is hell for me.
</blockquote>
Nyalenda said that he had lived in Mpopoma before relocating to his current residence in Mzilikazi in 1980.
He said throughout his time there, he always ensured that his council dues were paid promptly and in full.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

A 98-year-old man in Bulawayo hasn't had water at home since the start of the year because the city council cut off his supply over a $500 bill. He used to work for the council for 42 years. Now, he relies on unsafe borehole water or help from neighbors for clean water. His children don't take care of him, and life is hard. He always paid his council bills on time.

98-Year-Old Bulawayo Council Pensioner Left Without Water After BCC Disconnects Supply Over US$500 Bill

The Bulawayo City Council impounded several vehicles parked overnight in undesignated areas across western suburbs, including Emganwini, Nketa, and Nkulumane, on Sunday night. The vehicles were found parked outside car parks, as well as at shopping centres and fuel stations.
Moxen Moyo, the owner of a local car park, told <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/bcc-in-shock-nicodemus-raids-on-improperly-parked-vehicles/">Chronicle</a> that many vehicle owners have been bypassing his facility in favour of the “cheaper” alternative provided by parking at fuel stations. He said:
<blockquote>
The security guard at the fuel station has been charging the vehicle owners R10 overnight and some have been avoiding using the registered car park in order not to pay the US$1 that we charge per night.
This morning those that park their cars at the fuel station woke up to find the vehicles gone.
</blockquote>
Deputy Mayor, Councillor Edwin Ndlovu, said the operation is part of enforcing long-standing by-laws that govern the parking of vehicles in undesignated areas overnight. He said:
<blockquote>
The Bulawayo City Council will continue to enforce standing by-laws such as the one that speaks to the improper parking of vehicles in undesignated places overnight.
The council will not give notices when enforcing standing by-laws. A notice before enforcement is only sent out when the by-law is new.
We encourage residents to abide by the by-laws of the city all the time to avoid being caught on the wrong side of the law.
</blockquote>
Some of the by-laws stipulate that vehicles that are abandoned are given a 10-day notice to be removed. If not claimed, the council will tow them to a secure compound at the owner’s expense.
Vehicles that are dirty, have punctured tyres, or are unlicensed are also impounded and taken to a secure compound at the owner’s expense.
Push carts are not allowed in the Central Business District (CBD). Violators are fined, and their push carts are impounded.
The council publishes a list of immobilised vehicles in a newspaper and advises owners to claim them within 30 days. If vehicles are not claimed within 30 days, they will be sold at a public auction.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The Bulawayo City Council took away many cars parked in the wrong places during the night in areas like Emganwini, Nketa, and Nkulumane. This was to enforce the rules about where cars can be parked. Some people were choosing to park at fuel stations instead of paying to use a registered car park. The council will keep on enforcing these rules and vehicles that are taken will be kept at the owner's cost. Push carts are also not allowed in certain areas. If owners don't claim their vehicles within 30 days, they will be sold at an auction.

Bulawayo City Council Impounds Vehicles Parked in Undesignated Areas During Overnight Crackdown

The City of Bulawayo has begun implementing its Public Transport Policy, which had been postponed due to the outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
In a statement released on Tuesday, November 5, Bulawayo Town Clerk Christopher Dube said the policy was originally approved by the Council on October 3, 2012.
He said the primary objective of the Public Transport Policy is to establish a safe and efficient public transportation system for the residents of Bulawayo. Said Dube:
<blockquote>
The formulation of the Policy involved consultation with the Public Transport Operators, Commuters and other key stakeholders.
One of the major components of the Policy was the signing of Service Level Agreements with Transport Operator Companies operating in the City.
However, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and suspension of operations by independent Public Transport Operators in March 2020, delayed the signing of the agreements.
With the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions and the resumptions of operation by Public Transport Operators, the implementation of the Policy has gone back on track and the City of Bulawayo signed Service Level Agreements with Public Transport Companies on Friday, 18th of October 2024.
</blockquote>
The public transport companies that have been approved and are recognized by the City of Bulawayo are Bulawayo City Transit Trust, BUPTA Limited, Bulawayo West Transporters Private Limited, Tshova Mubaiwa Transport Co-Operative Company (Private) Limited, and VUTA Taxies (Private) Limited.
The City of Bulawayo has since advised the public transport companies to take up their positions at the respective termini to enable servicing of their designated service areas.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The City of Bulawayo is finally starting to put their Public Transport Policy in place after delays from the COVID-19 pandemic. The policy aims to make transportation safe and efficient for residents. The City has made agreements with different transport companies to provide services. Now that COVID-19 restrictions are lifted, the policy is back on track. Approved transport companies like Bulawayo City Transit Trust and others are ready to start operating. The City is telling them to go to their assigned spots to start providing services to the residents.

Long-Awaited Public Transport Policy Takes Effect In Bulawayo

The City of Bulawayo has officially decommissioned the Upper Ncema Dam due to critically low water levels.
In a recent notice to residents, the council announced that Upper Ncema is the second dam to be decommissioned since November 2023, following the decommissioning of UMzingwane Dam.
As of October 2, 2024, the water levels in Bulawayo’s dams were as follows: Insiza at 40.33%, Inyankuni at 18.07%, Lower Ncema at 21.46%, and Mtshabezi at 50.79%. UMzingwane, which has been decommissioned, recorded 2.14%, while Upper Ncema was at 2.03%. Said the council:
<blockquote>
The Upper Ncema Dam, a crucial Reservoir located on the same river as the Lower Ncema Dam, was intended to replenish the latter during the dry season. 
However, due to the ongoing drought, the dam gates had to be opened prematurely on August 28, 2024. 
Consequently, the Upper Ncema Dam has reached its non-operational level (dead-water level) and will be decommissioned effective October 3, 2024.
</blockquote>
The local authority has informed residents that the decommissioning of the Upper Ncema Dam will significantly worsen the City’s water supply challenges.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The city of Bulawayo has stopped using Upper Ncema Dam because there is not enough water. This is the second dam to be closed in recent times. The other dams in Bulawayo are also low on water. Upper Ncema had to be closed early because of a drought. This will make the water shortage in Bulawayo even worse. This news will affect the people living in Bulawayo who may have less water available to them.

Bulawayo Water Crisis Deepens As Upper Ncema Dam Is Decommissioned

The City of Bulawayo has denied recent media reports claiming that 90% of women aged 16 to over 50 tested for HIV in Bulawayo in June 2024 and that the city’s positivity rate among women is 71.7%.
In a statement on Thursday, August 15, Bulawayo Acting Town Clerk Edwin Mzingwane said the media took the council report out of context and sensationalised the information. Said Mzingwane:
<blockquote>
Nationally the HIV prevalence for the 15-49 years age group is 10.49% and the HIV prevalence for Bulawayo is 11.75%.
(Prevalence refers to the proportion of old and new HIV infections per population).
(Positivity is the proportion of HIV-positive infections of the total number of people tested).
Both articles took the City of Bulawayo Council report out of context and sensationalized the information.
The data was extracted from the Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid and Camera (VIAC) Programme that targets mainly HIV-positive women as we screen for cervical cancer (women who are already on Antiretroviral treatment (ART) and have been confirmed as HIV Positive) with a few who are HIV negative screened as well.
Women living with HIV are 6 times more likely to develop cervical cancer compared to women without HIV (WHO, 2024) and hence the VIAC programme aimed at early detection of cervical cancer.
VIAC is an effective way to prevent cervical cancer in women aged 30-50 years old. It involves examining the opening of the womb, or the cervix, for changes that might lead to cancer.
If these changes are detected early, the cells can be eliminated before they become cancerous. The cells are usually removed using a method called cryotherapy, or another method called Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP).
The City of Bulawayo offers VIAC services targeting mainly HIV-positive women whilst offering the service also to HIV-negative women.
Therefore, the reports cited in the above-named articles are not representative of the HIV positivity rates in general among the Bulawayo population but are skewed programmatically towards HIV-positive women attending clinics for cervical cancer screening.
The City of Bulawayo further notes the media plays a key role in disseminating health information and there is a need to ensure accurate health reports are issued as they affect the knowledge and health beliefs of the public.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The City of Bulawayo says media reports about high HIV testing rates among women are not accurate. They clarify that the HIV prevalence rate in Bulawayo is 11.75%, not 71.7% as reported. The data comes from a program screening mainly HIV-positive women for cervical cancer. This program helps detect cervical cancer early in women aged 30-50 years. The City urges the media to report health information accurately as it affects public knowledge and health beliefs. The reports were skewed towards HIV-positive women attending clinics for cervical cancer screening, not the general population.

Bulawayo Rejects Claims Of 90% HIV Testing Rate Among Women

The City of Bulawayo has dismissed reports alleging that the water from its supply dams is contaminated with cyanide, affirming that there is no evidence to support such claims.
In a statement released on Monday evening, Bulawayo Town Clerk, Christopher Dube, categorically stated that laboratory tests conducted on water samples from the city’s dams have confirmed the absence of detectable levels of cyanide or any other harmful contaminants. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
The City of Bulawayo wishes to assure members of the public of the safety and quality of the City’s water supply dams.
The safety and quality of Bulawayo’s water is of the utmost priority for the Municipality. We maintain rigorous water testing and monitoring protocols to ensure the water meets all regulatory standards for potability and safety.
Laboratory tests conducted on water samples from the City’s dams have confirmed that there are no detectable levels of cyanide or any other harmful contaminants. The water continues to be safe for all domestic, agricultural, and industrial uses.
The messages circulating on social media are misinformation which misconstrued the news article and the concerns raised by Councillors and members of the Future Water Supplies and Water Action Committee.
A visit was made to the proposed Heap Leach Pad at the UMzingwane District near the Upper Ncema Dam to check on the potential environmental impact of the Heap Leaching being constructed in the area.
The City is closely monitoring the situation and will take all necessary actions to safeguard the water supply.
We ask that the public remain vigilant but avoid falling prey to misinformation circulating on social media platforms.
We urge all residents to rely only on official communications from the City of Bulawayo regarding the status of the water supply.
We are committed to full transparency and will not hesitate to inform the public of any legitimate water quality issues that may arise
We want to ASSURE THE PUBLIC THAT THERE IS NO EVIDENCE OF ANY SUCH CONTAMINATION.
Together, we can ensure the continued provision of safe, clean water for all.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The City of Bulawayo says water from its dams is not poisoned with cyanide. They did tests to check for poison, and they found none. The water is safe to drink and use for other things. Don't listen to rumors on social media. The city will keep checking the water to make sure it stays safe. Trust information only from the city about the water. They promise to tell the truth if there are any problems. Everyone needs clean water, so let's work together to keep it that way.

No Cyanide Contamination Detected In Dams - Bulawayo City Council

Bulawayo residents have expressed outrage over the decision by the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC), a ZESA Holdings subsidiary to switch off tower lights in the city.
ZETDC switched off the tower lights as part of the process of migrating its customers from postpaid metering to a prepaid model.
The power utility disconnected the tower lights three weeks ago, leaving some areas in darkness with residents raising security concerns over the development.
Speaking to <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/zesa-disconnects-bulawayo-tower-lights/">Chronicle</a>, Bulawayo United Residents Association (BURA) president, Winos Dube, said he has lived in Bulawayo for more than 50 years but it was the first time he experienced the disconnection of tower lights. He said:
<blockquote>
I don’t recall such a thing ever happening. I have lived in this city for more than 50 years but I have never seen such a thing happening.
We are disappointed and shocked to learn that ZESA has disconnected tower lights and street lights.
They play a major role in the city as they are part of security measures. We are already experiencing muggings, burglaries, and break-ins so without the tower lights our lives are being put at risk.
Why would ZESA just disconnect without engaging us the stakeholders?
We learned of this when one of the residents questioned a councillor on why the council was not fixing faulty tower lights, which were not functional for some time.
So, the councillor responded by saying the tower lights were not faulty but had been disconnected by the power utility.
This is strange and disappointing behaviour and we will be making follow-ups with the responsible authorities.
</blockquote>
A security expert Wilson Sibanda who runs, Saf-Custodia Security Services, said the switching off of tower lights was a cause for concern. He said:
<blockquote>
I don’t recall such a thing ever happening. I have lived in this city for more than 50 years but I have never seen such a thing happening. We are disappointed and shocked to learn that ZESA has disconnected tower lights and street lights.
They play a major role in the city as they are part of security measures. We are already experiencing muggings, burglaries, and break-ins so without the tower lights our lives are being put at risk. Why would ZESA just disconnect without engaging us the stakeholders?
We learned of this when one of the residents questioned a councillor on why the council was not fixing faulty tower lights, which were not functional for some time.
So, the councillor responded by saying the tower lights were not faulty but had been disconnected by the power utility.
This is strange and disappointing behaviour and we will be making follow-ups with the responsible authorities.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Outrage In Bulawayo As ZESA Switches Off Tower Lights

ZESA Holdings has switched off Bulawayo tower lights from postpaid metering as it migrates to a prepaid model amid concerns by residents that this could plunge many suburbs into darkness if the Bulawayo City Council delays electricity bill payments.
Bulawayo residents say the tower lights are being disconnected for the first time in the city’s living memory.
Responding to questions from the <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/zesa-disconnects-bulawayo-tower-lights/">Chronicle</a>, ZESA Holdings said the transitioning of customers from postpaid to prepaid metering is expected to be completed next month. Said the power utility:
<blockquote>
Tower lights were migrated from a postpaid metering system to a prepaid metering system. ZETDC started the national prepayment metering rollout project in 2012 targeting domestic and small commercial customers and has been conducting the exercise in phases since then.
We are now in the final phase of the project where we are mopping up all points that are still on postpaid metering countrywide as we aim to have all customers on the prepaid metering system by the end of June 2024.
To date over 93 percent of all postpaid customers have been migrated to the prepaid platform.
</blockquote>
ZESA Holdings said it informed the City of Bulawayo about the imminent changes in the metering of customers.
However, Bulawayo town clerk, Christopher Dube, told the Chronicle that the local authority was not informed of the imminent disconnection until it was carried out. He said:
<blockquote>
It has recently been brought to our attention that ZESA conducted an operation to replace conventional meters with prepaid meters without prior notification to the Department of Works.
This oversight has resulted in widespread blackouts throughout suburbs such as Entumbane, Nkulumane, Nketha, Makhandeni, Tshabalala, and Makokoba, greatly affecting access to essential services. 
Approximately 90 tower lights have been affected, leaving many residents in the dark.
</blockquote>
Dube said the council intends to have a meeting with ZETDC to ensure that the re-connection process is expedited. He said:
<blockquote>
However, ZESA has been slow in providing the necessary balance to bring forward invoices, hindering our ability to expedite the re-connection process.
In response to this situation, we are in the process of arranging a meeting with the ZESA team to address this issue and ensure better communication and coordination in future operations.
It is crucial that such operations are conducted in phases and that relevant departments are informed to minimise disruptions in service delivery.
</blockquote>
Dube said that the council will explore the possibility of replacing the grid-powered tower lights with solar-powered alternatives in the future.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZESA Disconnects Tower Lights In Bulawayo, Plunges City In Darkness

The Bulawayo City Council says it has allocated 419 of the 576 vending bays along Fifth Avenue market in the central business district.
In a statement issued on Friday, Bulawayo Town Clerk Christopher Dube said the allocation processes will be completed by Wednesday, 8 May 2024. Said Dube:
<blockquote>
The City of Bulawayo would like to advise members of the public that 576 vending stalls have been demarcated along Fifth Avenue.
The allocation of these bays is in progress with all necessary due processes being carried out to ensure that the allocation process is done meticulously.
The allocation is also being done in consultation with the Informal Traders Working Group in line with Council policies.
To date, 419 vending bays, covering both the new and second-hand clothing, as well as the fruit and vegetables have been allocated and beneficiaries are doing the rest of the formalities, which include the health and hygiene requirements before moving to the site.
It is anticipated that the allocation processes will be completed by Wednesday, 8th May 2024 and, that all beneficiaries should have taken their positions by this date.
Members of the public and stakeholders are therefore requested to be patient to allow Council to complete the allocation process.
</blockquote>
This statement comes a day after several vendors were arrested in the CBD after clashing with municipal police who had moved to confiscate wares.
The informal traders also staged a demonstration, accusing the council of delaying the allocation process and also allocating the stalls to individuals who were not originally from Bulawayo.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Bulawayo City Council Has Allocated 419 Vending Bays In The CBD - Town Clerk

The City of Bulawayo says residents will continue receiving water for only two days per week, as water levels continue to dwindle at major supply dams due to drought.
The current 120-hour weekly water-shedding period might be increased to 140 hours.
This was said by Bulawayo director of engineering services, Sikhumbuzo Ncube, on Tuesday, 12 March during a tour of some of the city’s water projects by Netherlands Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Her Excellency Margret Verwijk.
Verwijk visited several projects including the city’s Revenue Hall and four water kiosks that were installed around the city to improve access to water.
The four water kiosks are located in Magwegwe (two), Cowdray Park, and Nkulumane.
Bulawayo, Zimbabwe’s second largest city is experiencing a 120-hour water-shedding period as it seeks to conserve water. Said Ncube (<a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/120-hour-water-shedding-to-continue-till-supplies-improve/">via Chronicle</a>):
<blockquote>
We all appreciate that the water situation remains critical. Our water levels in the city dams are at 41 percent yet we are approaching the end of the rainy season.
This means we are going to sustain the 120-hour weekly water shedding period for a prolonged period maybe up to December.
By June we might even need to review the water shedding programme depending on the water situation in our dams. We might need to increase to a 140 hour-weekly water shedding period.
At the moment we will try to maintain the 120 weekly water shedding, meaning residents will continue to receive water twice a week.
</blockquote>
Verwijk said that The Netherlands has a lot of expertise in water resource management and it was encouraging to see communities being involved in protecting water infrastructure in Bulawayo.
Communities are in charge of the water kiosks and bear the costs of repairing any infrastructure that is damaged. Said the diplomat:
<blockquote>
I come from a country, which is very small. It fits into Mashonaland West, it is very tiny but water and water management is something that we have mastered very well.
Some of the land we gained from the sea, we didn’t occupy anyone’s land, we took it from the sea.
Water management and protecting ourselves from the sea and utilising all the rivers in the Netherlands for the purposes of production agriculture, household water consumption is something that we are specialised in.
So, it is very nice to see that Dutch water utilities and water operations are supporting your community in accessing potable and clean water. It is important, water is life.
</blockquote>
Verwijk said her country has been supporting water management in Bulawayo, Mutare and Harare, with the aim of providing safe drinking water to communities.
She urged residents to pay their bills saying “Water is not for free, clean potable water is very valuable and it was good to see that people start to understand that, so that the revenues are actually realised.”
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Bulawayo's 120-hour Water Shedding May Be Raised To 140 Hours

The government has pledged to assist the City of Bulawayo address the city’s perennial acute water shortages.
Bulawayo’s water supply has been dwindling for years, exacerbated by factors such as climate change, population growth, and poor resource management.
Addressing journalists in Bulawayo this week, Local Government and Public Works Minister Winston Chitando, said (via Southern Eye):
<blockquote>
There was a disbursement of ZWL$6.9 billion at the end of February for the City of Bulawayo as part of devolution funds.
Some of that money is required in local currency and some of it in foreign currency depending on the nature of what the local authority projects to be implemented.
For example, if they want to buy cement they will use that local currency, but if they want to purchase inputs from outside the country they will now need to go to the foreign exchange mechanism to get money through the central bank.
We are going to have a regular conduct to see how we as a ministry of governance can then play that interface role with the Finance ministry and the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe to ensure we have critical situations like we have here whereby we try to facilitate [on] foreign currency.
</blockquote>
Chitando said the short-term solution to the water situation in Bulawayo is to improve security at Nyamandlovu. He said:
<blockquote>
The short-term measure to address the water situation in Bulawayo, firstly is the security arrangements at Nyamandlovu that will be implemented.
There is a need to source for the US$14m required and BCC has a number of partners to participate in funding the project-we will assist the city to get foreign currency to address the water situation in the short term period.
</blockquote>
The Nyamandlovu Aquifer is a crucial water source located in the Forest Sandstone region near Bulawayo.
Boreholes in the area typically range from 30 to 100 meters deep, with varying water levels.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Govt Pledges To Assist Bulawayo Address Water Crisis

Bulawayo Mayor Councillor David Coltart has urged residents not to panic about the current water situation, saying the local authority is devising strategies to ensure the availability of the precious liquid throughout the dry season.
On 24 February this year, the Bulawayo City Council advised residents of water supply interruptions and suspension of the 120-hour water shedding programme to all city areas except industry and the Central Business District.
In a statement, Bulawayo Town Clerk Christopher Dube said the move was in response to reduced raw water pumping to the city as a result of a fault which occurred at Ncema Pump Station.
Bulawayo City Council (BCC) Director of Engineering Services, Engineer Skhumbuzo Ncube, said the water situation has been worsening since 2018.
However, speaking during the stakeholder consultative meeting to unpack the local authority’s service delivery blueprint, which was launched by President Mnangagwa on 01 November 2023, Coltart said residents should not panic. Said Coltart (<a href="https://cite.org.zw/no-need-to-panic-bulawayo-mayor-assures-residents-amid-water-crisis/">via CITE</a>):
<blockquote>
It is very important that our general public understand our strategy. Nyamandlovu is our strategy to get it up to full capacity and to protect it.
To do that, we need the police and possibly even the army. If we protect Nyamandlovu, that will help because that water comes into Magwegwe, and Magwegwe supplies the high-density suburbs.
</blockquote>
He said the second strategy is the Mtshabezi Dam, which is over 70 per cent full and the lifeline of the city. Said Coltart:
<blockquote>
We have a strategy where our engineers have devised a plan to protect that water and increase the flow from Mtshabezi.
It is the construction of a 2.5km bypass pipeline. It’s a small job, it can be done, and when it’s done, it will improve the water.
</blockquote>
He said the other strategy is the rehabilitation of Insiza Dam, “We will, as a city, get through this crisis. We must not panic.”
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Bulawayo Mayor Says Residents Should Not Panic Over Water Crisis

Bulawayo residents have urged authorities to consider regularising the unregistered pirate taxi operators (mushikashika) to tackle the transport crisis in the city.
The ongoing blitz by Bulawayo City Council (BCC) and police against errant kombi and pirate taxi operators has resulted in transport challenges for commuters which leave many stranded during peak hours.
The local authority together with the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) launched the operation against pirate taxis and kombis defying a directive to move to the upgraded Egodini bus terminus.
Speaking to the <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/regularise-pirate-taxis-council-urged/">Chronicle</a>, Bulawayo United Residents Association (BURA) chairman Winos Dube said there is a need for the council and leaders of taxi associations to meet to map a way forward. He said:
<blockquote>
Pirate taxis are also an interested party in the transport sector because, in some suburbs, residents rely on them for transport. Authorities must also try and engage them to regularise their operations.
These pirate taxi operators also pose a danger to human life as they are always speeding whenever they encounter police.
They should be registered in terms of the law and offered places of operation.
</blockquote>
The Mayor of Bulawayo, Councillor David Coltart said the local authority is not opposed to registering pirate taxis as long as they abide by the law. He said:
<blockquote>
If there are public entities interested in operating in the transport sector they have to apply and follow the necessary channels.
This is done to protect the people from harm, as most of these taxis are driven by unlicensed individuals.
They need to be properly licensed and go through a vetting system. We cannot, as a city, have an unregulated system that causes chaos and mayhem.
</blockquote>
The transport crisis has mostly affected commuters from the city’s northern and eastern suburbs which are only serviced by pirate taxis.
A Honda Fit driver, who plies the Matopos road route, Dumani Ndhlovu told the Chronicle that they are willing to cooperate with police and the council for them to regularise their operations.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Bulawayo Council Urged To Regularise "Mushikashika"

The City of Bulawayo has finally yielded to pressure from residents to allow informal traders operating at the 5th Avenue market in the city centre to operate legally.
Bulawayo Town Clerk Christopher Dube announced the latest development in a statement issued on Thursday, 08 February. He said:
<blockquote>
The Bulawayo City Council at its meeting of 7 February 2024 resolved to temporarily close a portion of 5th Avenue to accommodate 500 informal trading bays.
The closure of a portion of 5th Avenue will comply with the Roads Act Chapter 13:13 Part VI Section 33 and rescind previous Council resolutions of 3rd June 2020 and 7 December 2022.
The portion of 5th Avenue will now have two riding lanes and vending bays for the 500 informal traders.
Council recognises the need to strike a balance amongst multiple functionalities such as parking, informal trading, vehicular traffic movement and access to property by property owners, hence the closure of a portion of 5th Avenue.
The temporary closure will ensure that all road users including property owners from the Southern side can park their vehicles close to their working spaces.
The decision to temporarily close 5th Avenue is a result of stakeholder engagement and further dovetails into the City of Bulawayo’s strategy to enhance local economic development through the provision of accessible and affordable working spaces.
The temporary closure of 5th Avenue will be complemented by the establishment of a new vending site for clothing and fruits along Lobengula Street between the 2nd Avenue terminus and the municipal Roads Yard.
We expect all traders on 5th Avenue to vacate the road to allow the implementation of the Council resolution. 
The execution of the resolution will entail cleaning the area, demarcation of bays, construction of safe working spaces and allocation of vending bays in the usual manner.
</blockquote>
Dube said to be registered, informal traders should produce a copy of their identity document (I.D), processed fingerprint forms, proof of residence for a property in Bulawayo, two passport-size photos and requisite fees for the licence.
He said for those trading in fruits and vegetables, pre-examination for contagious diseases and lessons on food handling with the City of Bulawayo Health Services Department (Khami Road Clinic) is required.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Bulawayo City Council Legalises Vending In CBD

The Bulawayo City Council has reiterated that all taxi operators, informal traders and the commuting public should have moved to designated vending sites and designated taxi ranks at Egodini Mall by the end of the day on Friday, 09 February.
In a statement, Bulawayo Mayor David Coltart warned that traders operating outside the confines of the City’s by-laws will be dealt with accordingly. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
The Reopening of Egodini Mall Taxi Rank and Informal Traders Market
The City of Bulawayo in partnership with Terracotta Pvt Ltd reopened the Egodini Mall for Commuter Omnibus operators and commuting public on Monday, 5th February 2024.
As advised in our earlier notice dated Sunday, 28 January 2024 we expect all taxi operators and Informal Traders to have moved to designated vending sites and designated taxi ranks by the end of the day, Friday, 9th February 2024.
There has been movement into the Egodini Mall Taxi Rank and Informal Traders Market (Phase 1) by the Taxi operators and commuting public and it is anticipated that as the days progress, there will be more and more of them moving into the rank.
The movement of taxis into the Egodini Mall Taxi Rank and Informal Traders Market is gaining momentum since the commencement of the relocation exercise early this week. The engagement of commuters and operators is ongoing.
The City of Bulawayo is also working on enhancing enforcement to ensure that members of the public use the designated taxi rank.
The Egodini Mall Taxi Rank and Informal Traders Market (Phase 1) has availed 400 bays currently and is further expected to avail 767 more bays in the future bringing the number of bays to 1167 in total.
The verification process for Informal Traders at the Egodini Mall Taxi Rank and Informal Traders Market (Phase 1) has been finalized with all 400 available bays now allocated.
The procedure was done using the following preference on a first come first serve basis;
Informal traders who were relocated from Egodini and are on Council’s registry. Informal traders who are on Council’s waiting list.
To date, there has been a spillover where people have signed for the next batches of vending bays.
The City of Bulawayo has a deliberate policy to deliver safe work spaces and settle Informal Traders to decongest the City.
The policy seeks to further allow vendors to trade in Suburban areas while also establishing markets in Western areas such as the Nkulumane Safe Market at Nkulumane Complex, which is almost complete.
The vending bays in the Western areas allow proximity to the markets and reduce operating costs. A total of 10000 informal bays are available throughout the City and we urge Informal Traders to regularize their operations by registering with our offices at Basch Street.
In addition, the City has also designated 2nd Avenue and Lobengula Street as a designated Informal Trading site with approximately 700 bays earmarked and these are currently under construction.
The City of Bulawayo is also in the process of developing and decongesting Fifth Avenue where a further ± 500 bays will be established.
We thank the residents of Bulawayo for adhering to our bylaws and operating from designated vending areas.
The City remains committed to improving livelihoods by providing appropriate working spaces for the informal sector.
Traders operating outside the confines of the City’s bylaws will be dealt with accordingly.
The City of Bulawayo is on high alert for the prevention and mitigation of cholera and efforts continue to be intensified to improve overall sanitation in the City.
We urge all Traders to operate from designated sites and maintain high levels of sanitation.
The Official Opening of Phase 1 of the Egodini Mall Taxi Rank and Informal Traders Market will be conducted once the initial pilot phase of relocation has been completed and fine-tuned.
SENATOR DAVID COLTART HIS WORSHIP THE MAYOR
08 February 2024
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Bulawayo Mayor's Statement On The Reopening Of Egodini Mall | Full Statement

The Bulawayo City Council has ordered street vendors to stop trading from undesignated sites by 09 February or be chased away by municipal police.
In a statement, City of Bulawayo Town Clerk Christopher Dube said all informal traders in the city must have a valid Vendors Licence. He said:
<blockquote>
All illegal informal traders are warned and advised to move to designated sites no later than February 9, 2024.
Registered informal traders who have abandoned their bays and/or are not paying the requested council fees are advised to return to their bays and regularise their operations.
All informal traders in Bulawayo are required to have a valid Vendors Licence.
</blockquote>
As reported by <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/bulawayo-gives-illegal-vendors-public-transporters-february-9-ultimatum/">ZimLive</a>, kombis (commuter omnibuses) are also being moved back to Egodini after eight years following the completion of the first phase of a project to build a mall.
The mall has 400 vending stalls with 350 more set to be added.
Bulawayo mayor David Coltart estimates 5 000 street vendors are trading in the CBD, a large majority of them illegally.
The council charges monthly rentals of US$11.50 for CBD bays or a one-off annual fee of US$23.
Outside the CBD the charges are US$5.75 per month and a one-off annual fee of US$11.50. 
The local authority also warned it clamp down on a wide range of illegal activities, including the washing of cars in the city centre, street vehicle repairs, public transport operators using illegal pick-up points, vehicles delivering farm produce and littering. Added Dube:
<blockquote>
The City of Bulawayo will be conducting an exercise to eliminate all illegal activities to restore order and cleanliness.
All informal traders are requested to keep the city clean by ensuring that their trading places are cleared after trading hours and are further advised that the full force of the law will be implemented against those who continue to breach the relevant bylaws both immediately, after the deadline and going forward.
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, the City of Bulawayo has advised residents that the transporting of commuters from Egodini shall begin on Monday 5th February 2024.
The high rate of unemployment in Zimbabwe has pushed thousands of people into vending, with most of the traders operating from undesignated places such as pavements in urban areas.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Bulawayo Council Orders Illegal Vendors, Public Transporters To Vacate CBD By 09 February

Bulawayo residents who bought residential stands in Magwegwe West and Pumula are contemplating taking legal action after the Bulawayo City Council (BCC) demanded that they top up the money they paid for the stands in foreign currency.
Residents bought the housing stands in 2016 and are still waiting for the areas to be serviced.
Bulawayo Progressive Residents Association (BPRA) secretary for administration Thembelani Dube told <a href="https://newsday.co.zw/southerneye/local-news/article/200022036/bulawayo-council-residents-at-loggerheads-over-us-top-fees">Southern Eye on Sunday</a> that the council was changing goalposts. Said Dube:
<blockquote>
The top-up violates the initial agreements that the buyers had with the local authority during the time the stands were available. Any deviation from that calls for legal action.
</blockquote>
He said BPRA was waiting for feedback from the Government after it submitted a petition on the council’s demands.
BCC is demanding as much as US$6 000 depending on the size of the stand in top-ups.
The local authority is also threatening to repossess the land over failure to pay the fees.
Dube said the council had done nothing to develop the stands in Magwegwe West and Ntemba in Pumula, among other areas.
Bulawayo, like many urban areas in Zimbabwe, sells unserviced housing stands to desperate home-seekers due to a huge housing backlog.
Due to the unavailability of proper roads, running water and sewer systems, the quality of life for residents is compromised.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Bulawayo Council, Residents Clash Over US Dollar Top-up Fees

The City of Bulawayo in partnership with Tendy Three Investments plans to roll out the first phase of CCTV surveillance of major roads in February 2024 to curb crime in the city.
The cameras will watch the areas around intersections and check the speed at which vehicles are travelling at traffic lights, conduct traffic counts and record traffic violations.
In an interview with <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/byo-city-rolls-out-cctv-camera-project/">State media</a>, Tendy Three managing director Lizwe Mabuza said the first CCTV cameras will be installed from Clement Muchachi Road (formerly 13th Avenue) to E. D. Mnangagwa Way (formerly 6th Avenue) along Robert Mugabe Way and Queen Lozikeyi Street (formerly Fife Street) in the city centre. Said Mabuza:
<blockquote>
That will be phase one as we will be testing how the system will operate. Having cameras installed on the streets will help in the fight against crime, especially theft from cars.
Through these cameras, police will be able to view the footage which will help in tracking down criminals thus creating a peaceful atmosphere which is also good for investment because no business would want to operate in a crime-ridden city.
At the moment, as Tendy Three we are employing 356 workers, and most of them are aged 30 years and below, and they are all locals.
As we expand our parking bays, we have to rehabilitate some of the roads, and this will result in us employing another 100 youths.
</blockquote>
Bulawayo City Council spokesperson, Nesisa Mpofu recently told the Sunday News that the local authority generated US$700 000 in revenue between January and October from its parking bays.
Mpofu said the funds will be used in the rehabilitation of the city’s road network which is in a bad state.
She said 75 per cent of the city roads have been damaged and more than US$700 million is required to rehabilitate them.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Bulawayo City Council Plans To Install CCTV Cameras At Road Intersections

The Mayor of Bulawayo, David Coltart says the funds allocated to the construction of dams in the 2024 National Budget are inadequate.
Mthuli Ncube, the Minister of Finance, Economic Development, and Investment Promotion, allocated ZWL$389 towards dam construction projects in the country. Said Ncube:
<blockquote>
Under the 2024 National Budget overall support towards dam dam construction projects amounts to Z$389 billion with priority being on the completion of the Gwayi-Shangani dam and pipeline with the dam now at the advanced stage of completion.
Other targetted dams include Kunzvi Dam with the associated treatment plant and conveyancing pipeline, Ziminya, Tulu-Manyange, Bindura, Semwa, Silverstroom and Vungu dams.
</blockquote>
However, Coltart said the total amount allocated to dam construction is less than a quarter of the amount needed for the Gwaai-Shangani to Bulawayo pipeline alone. He said:
<blockquote>
Professor Ncube states that a total of ZWL$369 billion has been allocated for the construction of ALL dams and pipelines in Zimbabwe next year.
He states that his priority is “the completion of the Gwaai Shangani dam and pipeline.”
ZWL$369 billion equates to US$67 million. The Gwaai Shangani to Bulawayo pipeline alone is expected to cost a minimum of US$400 million.
Accordingly, if every single cent of this budget allocation is applied to the pipeline alone it will still take almost 6 years to complete at this rate.
Obviously, it will be much longer than this because the Z$369 billion is the total applied for all dam projects.
Bulawayo simply cannot wait another decade or more. Our engineers insist that our short-term water needs are best served by duplicating the pipelines from the Insiza and Mtshabezi dams to Ncema purification works and building the Glassblock Dam (which will cost about half the cost of the Gwaai Shangani/Bulawayo pipeline.)
I implore the central Government to take what our engineers say seriously. We cannot afford to allow Bulawayo to run out of water when we have water supplies right on our doorstep.
</blockquote>
The City of Bulawayo has been grappling with water shortages for decades as its supply dams cannot provide enough water for the city throughout the year.
The city depends on six supply dams, Insiza, Inyankuni, Lower Ncema, Upper Ncema, Umzingwane, and Mtshabezi which are all located in Matabeleland South Province.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

"ZWL$369 Billion Allocated To Dam Construction Projects Too Little"

The City of Bulawayo may be forced to prolong the 72-hour water-shedding regime due to the low levels of water in the city’s supply dams, reported <a href="https://cite.org.zw/bulawayo-braces-for-extended-water-shedding-as-dam-levels-dwindle/">CITE</a>.
Bulawayo depends on six supply dams, Insiza, Inyankuni, Lower Ncema, Upper Ncema, Umzingwane, and Mtshabezi which are all located in Matabeleland South Province.
Speaking to journalists during a tour of the dams on Friday, Bulawayo City Council (BCC) Corporate Communications Manager Nesisa Mpofu said:
<blockquote>
From what we have seen, unfortunately, we must maintain the water shedding because our dams are low.
And, we have to be mindful that sometimes we have electricity outages, which affect the current water schedule and result in some residents spending more time without water.
Sometimes it will be an issue of water pipe bursts. If that occurs, we have to shut down the whole area that is affected until the situation is resolved.
We also need to address the issue of supply of materials. As residents, we have to play our part by paying our bills on time.
Without adequate materials, it becomes difficult to attend to some of the challenges that contribute to water shedding.
</blockquote>
The chairperson of the Future Water and Action Committee, Cllr Edwin Sibanda, said that they have forwarded a proposal to the council to buy more pumps as a short-term measure and to build another dam as a medium-term solution to the water shortages. Said Sibanda:
<blockquote>
The water situation in the city is very dire. We need to up our game and come up with immediate solutions.
We propose to construct another dam to complement the existing ones. We have seen the water levels, they are very low.
This tour has shown us the water levels in our supply dams and we have seen their capacity but it cannot save the City of Bulawayo which has grown over the years.
So as the Future Water and Action Committee, we propose that we construct a new dam. We currently have a proposal to construct the Glass Block dam in Filabusi which could supply at least 70 percent of our water requirements in the city. So basically that is our short to medium-term plan.
Secondly, we need to buy new pumps. At Umzingwane only one out of four pumps is working. We do have water but our pumping capacity is below what we require.
The short term can be getting new pumps and the medium term can be the construction of a new dam.
The pumping system needs to be improved as a matter of urgency and we also need to pray that we can get better rains so that the water level can improve.
In the previous council, it was said that the water that is left may sustain us for six months only but according to the law we need to leave a certain amount of water that will keep aqua life alive so technically speaking the water might not even reach the six months. We are in serious trouble as a city if we do not get enough rain.
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, meteorologists say Zimbabwe is likely to receive less than average rainfall leading to a drought in the 2023/24 rainy season due to the El Niño climate phenomenon.
The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) recently said the ongoing El Niño event is expected to last at least until April 2024.
<div class="jetpack-video-wrapper"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" loading="lazy" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kFXBnHvGuuI?feature=oembed" title="BCC Corporate Communications Manager Nesisa Mpofu says water shedding will continue." width="640"></iframe></div>

More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/11/18/president-mnangagwa-reverses-the-appointment-of-general-valerio-sibanda-to-zanu-pf-politburo/">Pindula News</a>

Bulawayo Braces For Prolonged Water Rationing

The Bulawayo City Council (BCC) has said the Premier Soccer League (PSL) and Dynamos Football Club should undertake the repair works at Barbourfields Stadium which was damaged by football hooligans on 10 September 2023.
The Glamour Boys were hosting Highlanders in a PSL match which was abandoned in the 38th minute when Highlanders fans threw objects on the pitch before charging at police officers and match officials.
Dynamos have been made to pay for the damage to the facility as they were the hosts on the day.
According to the latest council report seen by <a href="https://www.sundaynews.co.zw/dembare-psl-to-pay-for-bf-damage-bcc/">The Sunday News</a>, BCC pegged the costs of repairs to the damages caused at US$4 121. Reads the report:
<blockquote>
On Sunday 10 September 2023, Babourfields Stadium hosted a match pitting Highlanders Football Club and Dynamos Football Club.
However, the match was aborted just less than 40 minutes of play due to crowd trouble.
This resulted in the vandalism of the facility notably the exit gates, perimeter fence, pitch drainage, fourth match official’s bench and corner flags were stolen.
The quoted cost of repair of damages was US$ 4 121.
The Premier Soccer League and Dynamos, as the host club, had since been advised to effect the repair works as per policy.
</blockquote>
Last month, the PSL slapped Dynamos with a US$3 500 fine, of which US$500 was suspended for a season on condition the club does not commit similar offences.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Dynamos, PSL Ordered To Pay For Barbourfields Stadium Damage

Bulawayo City Council has threatened to take legal action against individuals who fix roads without authorisation.
In a notice dated 26 May 2023, Bulawayo town clerk Christopher Dube reminded stakeholders that the law stipulates that the planning, design, construction, maintenance, rehabilitation and management of all roads under a local authority’s jurisdiction are its responsibility. He added:
<blockquote>
In accordance with section 53 of the Roads Act, Part IX, if any person does any act which he has not been authorised to do by the road authority concerned, the city may, by notice in writing, direct the person, at his own expenses and within such period as shall be specified in the notice, to restore the land to the condition in which it was before the unauthorised act.
If the person fails to comply with the direction within the period specified, he shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine not exceeding level four, or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding three months or to both such fine and such imprisonment.
The road authority may cause to be carried out such work as may be necessary to restore the land and may recover from the person concerned any expense incurred in the work.
</blockquote>
This comes as there has been a proliferation of illegal road rehabilitation in various parts of the city, with most of the illegal road rehabilitators asking for money from motorists.
In October 2022, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) raised concern over “dangerous and illegal acts” by some members of the public who were repairing roads using bricks and soil around towns. ZRP spokesperson assistant commissioner Paul Nyathi said at the time:
<blockquote>
The Zimbabwe Republic Police has noted with concern the dangerous and illegal acts being conducted by certain individuals and groups on the roads around suburbs and towns in the country.
The individuals and groups purporting to be conducting road repairs through heaps of bricks and soil.
In the process, the flow of traffic is disturbed while the lives of these individuals are at risk. Some are even leaving heaps of soil and bricks on the roads while others remove the purported bricks and soil structures once payment has been received as they solicit for more payments or contributions from motorists.
The public is urged to report these individuals and groups to the Police as their activities are interfering with road safety principles.
The Police also cautions individuals who are moving with some wheelchairs and children and then wait at traffic lights (robots) to seek for donations or assistance from the public.
This is again interfering with traffic movements and endangering lives of the individuals.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police implores the public to be safety conscious on the roads and avoid disturbing the flow of traffic besides putting their lives at risk.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Bulawayo Council Threatens To Sue Individuals "Illegally" Repairing Roads

The City of Bulawayo has appointed Sikhumbuzo Mangisi Ncube as the Director of Engineering Services.
In a statement released on Sunday, Town Clerk Christopher Dube said Ncube’s appointment is effective from 01 April 2023. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
The City of Bulawayo is pleased to announce the appointment of Engineer Sikhumbuzo Mangisi Ncube to the position of Director of Engineering Services with effect from the 1st of April 2023.
Eng. Ncube is a holder of an Executive Master of Business Administration Degree (2009 – 2011) and a Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) Degree in Civil and Water Engineering (1998-2003) from the National University of Science and Technology.
He also holds numerous professional and academic certificates from various courses and training.
He began his professional career as Student Engineer with Stewarts and Llyods – Bulawayo Office in 2002.
He then joined the Zimbabwe National Water Authority after his graduation where he worked as a Projects and Planning Engineer, and Water Supplies Engineer (2004 – 2006).
He also worked with Proplastics, a Division of Murray and Roberts as a Design and Sales Engineer and Acting Regional Sales Manager (2006-2007).
He thereafter joined World Vision Zimbabwe where he held several roles such as Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Engineer and Water and Sanitation Coordinator.
Eng Ncube joined the City of Bulawayo as a Senior Engineer – Waste Water in 2010 and also worked as a Senior Engineer – Water Distribution before his promotion to Principal Engineer – Strategic Planning (2015-2018).
He was further promoted to the position of Deputy Director of Engineering Services (Water and Sanitation) in February 2018 and has been Acting Director in the Engineering Services Department from January 2022 till his appointment.
Sikhumbuzo Ncube is a dynamic Engineer with demonstrated history and substantial experience in all aspects of civil engineering and water and sanitation project planning, implementation and management.
He has worked on a number of flagship projects including the Bulawayo Water and Sewerage Services Project (BWSSIP) funded by the African Development Bank as Coordinator and Technical Specialist, Local Coordinator with the Netherlands-funded WaterWorx project, Climate Change Expert, Nyamandlovu Aquifer construction, rehabilitation of earth dams and establishment of irrigation schemes and has represented the City in other national projects.
He has a lot of expertise in feasibility studies and proposal writing, project planning design and stakeholder participation and involvement for sustainable WASH Solutions.
He also has experience in contract management, project administration and exposure with different funding institutions.
Eng Ncube is a Corporate Member of the Zimbabwe Institute of Engineers, Professional Engineer with the Engineering Council of Zimbabwe, Committee Member of the Matabeleland Chapter (ZIE) (2017-2022), Committee Member of Bridge Building and Water Network Competition for National High Schools under Matabeleland ZIE (2017-2022), Former member of the Zimbabwe Emergency Response Team (ZERT) with World Vision (2008-2009) and Standards Association of Zimbabwe (SAZ) Committee Member (2018-2019). He is also a board member of various organisations and institutions.
Sikhumbuzo is married to Eng Mercy Ncube and together they have three children.
The City of Bulawayo congratulates Eng. Sikhumbuzo Mangisi Ncube on his appointment and wishes him well in the execution of his duties.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

City Of Bulawayo Appoints New Director Of Engineering Services

The Government has authorised the Bulawayo City Council (BCC) to recruit 500 healthcare workers to be deployed at the city’s 19 clinics.
The local authority has been hit by an exodus of critical health personnel and this has negatively impacted service delivery in the city.
The <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/council-gets-nod-to-recruit-500-health-workers/">Chronicle</a> reported that the City of Bulawayo requires a staff complement of 186 nursing staff to operate at full capacity and presently, there are 87 nurses.
According to the latest council minutes, some of the health personnel that the local authority intends to recruit include dentists and nurses.
Responding to questions raised during a recent full council meeting, the town clerk, Christopher Dube, said:
<blockquote>
Council will soon be recruiting dentists and other health workers to alleviate the situation as the parent ministry had authorised the recruitment of 500 staff members.
Emakhandeni and Nkulumane Clinics have been earmarked for extended dental care services to decentralise the service to other suburbs.
</blockquote>
In an interview with the Chronicle on Tuesday, Bulawayo deputy mayor Councillor Mlandu Ncube said residents were being forced to travel long distances seeking medical care. He said:
<blockquote>
We had serious concerns pertaining to the long hours spent by residents seeking health services from our clinics due to staff shortages.
We are happy that we have been given the green light to recruit 500 workers to address the problem.
Our residents were being short-changed and the situation had reached alarming levels such that some had to walk extra kilometres to nearby clinics to access healthcare.
</blockquote>
Ncube said recruitment is ongoing and they expect that by the end of April this year, the situation will have improved.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Bulawayo City Council Gets Approval To Recruit 500 Health Workers

The City of Bulawayo said that it has requested ZESA to give them advance notices of at least an hour before power cuts to allow the local authority to shut down the pumps properly.
Bulawayo City Council has been spending millions of dollars purchasing and installing new water pumps at its main pumping stations to ease Bulawayo’s water problems.
This was said by acting council director of engineering services, Sikhumbuzo Ncube during a stakeholders briefing meeting on Friday.
Ncube said unscheduled power cuts were damaging water pumps. <a href="https://www.sundaynews.co.zw/bcc-engages-zesa-on-power-cuts/">The Sunday News</a> quoted Ncube as saying:
<blockquote>
The kind of pumps that we have need proper shutdown of at least an hour or so. The challenge is that there is no proper power cut schedule which then affects our pumps. 
Council has requested ZESA to give advance notices of at least an hour to enable procedural shutdown of pumps.
We have also engaged the Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC) and this led to the installation of a 500 Kva transformer with enough capacity to power one booster for the pumps.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe is suffering a prolonged power shortage, especially after its main Kariba hydropower plant in December 2022 cut electricity generation due to low water levels.
The problem has been compounded by frequent breakdowns at Hwange Thermal Power Station, the shortage of coal to fire Harare, Bulawayo and Munyati power stations, and failure to pay for power imports from neighbouring countries.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Bulawayo City Council Engages ZESA On Power Cuts

Nine (9) Bulawayo City Council (BCC) municipal police officers who allegedly fired at vendors with rubber bullets last month have been granted bail.
The <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/bcc-municipal-police-granted-bail/">Chronicle</a> reported that Ignatius Nyathi (51), Herbert Khumalo (55), Ntokozo Moyo (46), Lungton Moyo (42), Cent Moyo (49) Bekisipho Ncube (50) Lawrence Mathwasa (60 Bekezela Ncube 56, Mthabisi Moyo (30) appeared in court each facing two counts of attempted murder.
They were granted ZWL$50 000 bail each by Bulawayo regional magistrate Joseph Mabeza, who remanded them to 14 March.
As part of the bail conditions, the accused were ordered to report once a week at Bulawayo Central Police Station (homicide section).
Allegations were that on 23 February 2023, at around 7 AM, the accused persons were part of a team of municipal police who were on duty dispersing illegal vendors in Bulawayo Central Business District.
The court heard that the team was dispersing illegal vendors from an undesignated area along 5th Avenue between Lobengula Street and Jason Moyo Street.
They encountered a group of people chanting protest songs against BCC security details. Prosecutor Concilia Ncube said:
<blockquote>
The accused persons who were armed with shotguns fired 41 shots indiscriminately towards the protesting group and as a result, Concilia Ndlovu was shot in the left hand and sustained an injury and there is a lodged foreign object which is yet to be extracted.
</blockquote>
It is alleged that Ndlovu was not part of the group and was carrying out her normal business.
The second complainant Prosper Munemo was shot in the groin and sustained injuries.
The accused were released after their lawyers Messrs Herbert Chimbete and Maqhawe Mpofu of Coghlan and Welsh Legal Practitioners successfully applied for bail.
The State had opposed bail arguing that there was no guarantee that if released, the accused persons would not abscond given the gravity of the offence.
More <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Bulawayo Municipal Cops Who Fired At Vendors Granted Bail

The City of Bulawayo has recommissioned two supply dams following significant inflows since the onset of the 2022/23 rainy season.
Bulawayo City Council (BCC) draws its water from six dams — Inyankuni, Mtshabezi, Insiza, Lower Ncema, Umzingwane and Upper Ncema.
According to the <a href="https://newsday.co.zw/southerneye/news/article/200007966/bcc-recommissions-2-supply-dams">Southern Eye</a>, Umzingwane was decommissioned last year in September due to low water levels and Upper Ncema a month later.
BCC then implemented a 72-hour water-shedding programme to manage the water in the four remaining dams.
The water-rationing programme is still being implemented despite the improved water levels at the dams.
In a notice issued on 20 February, town clerk Christopher Dube said that all supply dams were now back on line. Read the notice:
<blockquote>
Insiza Mayfair is 73,16% full with 119 993 718 cubic metres of usable water, Inyankuni is 45,61% full with 33 610 310 cubic metres usable water, Lower Ncema is 30,96% full with 4 917 652 usable water, Umzingwane is 17,27% full with 5 926 960 cubic metres usable water, Upper Ncema is 41,68% full with 17 126 760 cubic metres usable water, and Mtshabezi is 74,75% full with 36 789 760 cubic metres usable water.
</blockquote>
Bulawayo Progressive Residents Association (BPRA) chairperson Ambrose Sibindi said the council should suspend water rationing. He said:
<blockquote>
They must go further and suspend the water-shedding schedule for some months to give residents relief.
</blockquote>
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