Bulawayo proposes an 8hour water rationing regime

Bulawayo City Council has proposed a harsh eight hour water rationing regime for the city as it says the current water levels at the supply dams "threatens the existing population and industry."

According to the water cuts schedule report to be  tabled at the full council meeting on Wednesday afternoon for debate  water rationing would be divided into two phase for western areas.

"The city's water supply situation continues to deteriorate. The water inflows into the dams have been insignificant right to the end of the rainy season. The supply dam levels as at 27th of May 2012 were 47.2% full with upper Ncema already decommissioned.

"This leaves the City with a major water supply challenge. Clearly this is an unsustainable situation and one that threatens the existing population and industry," reads the Future Water Supplies and Water Action report.

The target consumption based on the current water rationing limits is 120 000m2 a day against the actual daily average consumption of 145 000m2 a day with this figure reaching levels as high as 155 874 m2 a day."

Council says Nkulumane, Emganwini, Nketa, Pumula, Sizinda, Tshabalala, Bellevue, Newton West, Southworld, West Somerton would not be having water on Monday and Thursdays from 7.30 am to 3.30 pm.

On Wednesday and Saturday, Cowdray Park, Luveve, Magwegwe, Luveve, Njube, Entumbane, Emakhandeni, Mzilikazi, Nguboyenja, Mpopoma, Makokoba, Lobengula, Mabutweni, Iminyela, Pelandaba and Masthobane would have their turn.

All eastern suburbs would have water rationing on Tuesday and Fridays and on Sunday the whole city would not be affected.

However, the industrial and central business district is exempt from water cuts.

To ensure a successful implementation the municipality has set aside "six water bowsers to be borrowed from Ingwebu Breweries, seven bowser pumps complete with rubber hose and fittings to be procured and 6 drivers and assistants to be available on overtime."

Council will also set aside adequate fuel supplies for all operations and a water crisis committee to be established.

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