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Thandeka Moyo, Chronicle Reporter

BULAWAYO dam water levels have dropped to below 37 percent with council saying one dam may be decommissioned by early 2020 if the situation does not improve.
Council has so far decommissioned one of its six supply dams, Upper Ncema and Umzingwane may be decommissioned soon as it is only six percent full.

In statement yesterday, Bulawayo Mayor Councillor Solomon Mguni said the situation was worsened by increased consumption levels.
“I would like to appeal to members of the public to conserve water as the situation is very critical. As of November 2, dam levels stood at just below 37 percent which may force us to decommission additional dams soon,” he said.

“For a long time we have been introducing water shedding schedules due to pumping challenges induced by power outages but now we are faced with a more serious challenge which is depletion of water in our dams. We need to pray for rain because even if we sort out power challenges, there will be no water to pump into our reservoirs.”

Clr Mguni urged members of the public not to waste stored water during load shedding as that was contributing to high consumption levels.
Consumption has remained extremely high as residents have failed to adhere to the stipulated daily consumption of 115 Megalitres per day while the current heat wave has also increased water usage.

“Residents are quick to store water but when supply is restored they dispose of that water carelessly instead of using it sparingly. We appeal to members of the public to save every drop as we are approaching tough times,” he said.

Clr Mguni said water challenges have been exacerbated by electricity load shedding at Ncema Water Treatment plant and Fernhill pumping station as well as at Umzingwane and Inyankuni dams.

“Occasionally, there are also breakdowns of pumps which are now old with some due for replacement in March 2020,” he added. — @thamamoe