Bulawayo City Council explores partnership with groundwater extraction company to address water shortages

Bulawayo City Council explores partnerships with Primary Water, a groundwater extraction specialist that has achieved complete success rates across desert regions for two decades. The company locates water sources deep within earth formations that remain unaffected by drought conditions or weather patterns. Advanced underground scanning technology identifies water-bearing rock cracks before drilling operations commence at depths between 200 and 400 meters using compressed air methods. Project costs range from £450,000 for smaller capacity systems serving 2,500 people to £1.5 million for larger installations supporting 10,000 residents. Implementation timelines span 30 to 60 days with various financing arrangements available through international development organizations.

The council water department will collaborate with Zimbabwe National Water Authority to evaluate this groundwater extraction proposal. Meanwhile, officials continue pursuing a wholly-owned Water and Sanitation Utility despite resident opposition to privatization efforts. Government policy encourages local authorities to establish private sector partnerships for water and waste management services. President Mnangagwa's Minimum Service Delivery Standards Framework guides the utility formation process. Council plans to submit finalized utility proposals to the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works following stakeholder consultations.