The Bulawayo City Council has reported a severe lack of funding for repairing water leaks, a situation that worsens water shortages and financial losses. Councillors expressed urgent concerns about the management of a special water levy intended for such repairs, with Deputy Mayor Edwin Ndlovu stating the levy was implemented without a clear spending strategy.
Councillor Khalazani Ndlovu questioned whether the funds could be specifically reserved for fixing leaks and requested a full account of the collected money. In response, the water and sanitation department confirmed the levy is already budgeted for non-revenue water projects but proposed formally ring-fencing a portion of it for additional leak-repair work.
Officials acknowledged the need to better define which infrastructure projects qualify for this funding. Due to the immediate financial shortfall, one proposed solution is to schedule all related water-loss initiatives for the city's 2026 procurement plan.
Councillor Khalazani Ndlovu questioned whether the funds could be specifically reserved for fixing leaks and requested a full account of the collected money. In response, the water and sanitation department confirmed the levy is already budgeted for non-revenue water projects but proposed formally ring-fencing a portion of it for additional leak-repair work.
Officials acknowledged the need to better define which infrastructure projects qualify for this funding. Due to the immediate financial shortfall, one proposed solution is to schedule all related water-loss initiatives for the city's 2026 procurement plan.
