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Peter Matika, [email protected]

THE Bulawayo City Council (BCC) has engaged four companies specialising in sewerage management in a three-year contract to tackle the perennial sewer challenges in the city.

The project is expected to cost the local authority US$1 million.

The companies include Nambs Investments (Pvt) Ltd, Tokologo Technical (Pvt), Saltaway Enterprises (Pvt) Ltd and Mine Assistance Company P/L T/A MAC.

BCC corporate communications manager Mrs Nesisa Mpofu said the companies are tasked with conducting comprehensive assessments and implementing effective strategies to mitigate the challenges related to the malfunctioning sewerage systems.

“The expertise and resources that these companies bring to the table will be instrumental in implementing long-term solutions that benefit our community,” said Mrs Mpofu.

She said the concerted efforts to address the sewerage problems in Bulawayo are part of a broader strategy by BCC to improve the city infrastructure and public health.

Mrs Mpofu said by proactively allocating financial resources and collaborating with expert partners, the local authority seeks to enhance the quality of life for residents,

“The key issues to be focused on are the cause of blockages through technical assessments, we will also use CCTV to inspect underground pipes. Unblocking of pipes will also be done using high-pressure water jetting and winching of grit, as well as clearing of sand traps,” she said.

Mrs Mpofu said the contracted companies will also be tasked with rehabilitating and upgrading all sewerage system components such as manholes, pipes and columns across streams.

“In addition to the immediate actions being taken to address the sewerage challenges, the city council is also exploring sustainable measures to prevent similar issues from arising in the future,” she said.

Mrs Mpofu said by investing in preventative maintenance and infrastructure upgrades, BCC is laying the foundation for a more robust and resilient sewerage system that will meet the needs of the growing population.

“Other causes are system abuse such as the use of newspapers, flushing of rags, sanitary pads, pampers, condoms, kitchenware, and use of improper scouring materials such as sand and flushing of oils. 

“Other issues include vandalism and deliberate blocking of sewer systems by those practicing market gardening along streams and open spaces and theft of cast iron metal lids leaving manholes open,” said Mrs Mpofu. 

She also noted that water shortages in the city were also contributing to blockages and sewer bursts.

“Insufficient water in the system is associated with water shortage in the city leading to people using less water to flush. Low water in sewer systems results in the system not achieving self-cleansing velocities. The ageing infrastructure and insufficient design capacity also results in the systems exceeding their design life or capacity without rehabilitation or upgrade due to capital funding constraints,” said Mrs Mpofu.

Last year the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) dragged BCC to court for failing to upgrade its water treatment plants and sewer systems, which has resulted in raw sewage flowing into water bodies that provide potable water to residents.

Most western suburbs are grappling with raw sewage that even flows into their houses.

A Chronicle news crew yesterday took a survey around the city where it was discovered that some residents have become accustomed to the problem. 

In Khumalo along Gardiner Road, sewage has been flowing for weeks close to Khumalo Primary School.

A lodge owner in the suburb said he is slowly losing business as the sewage flows directly outside his establishment.

In Mzilikazi suburb, residents say they are tired of complaining about the situation, as it has been going on for years.

“I have lived here all my life and this has been going on for the past 10 years. The effluent flows right to our doorsteps and it is now normal. Now we fear that our water might be contaminated,” said Ms Belinda Ngulube from Mzilikazi suburb.

Miss Eneresi Mlauzi from the same suburb shared the same sentiments.

“Our children’s health is at risk as they play outside in pools of sewer water. We cannot constantly monitor them and this is a real-life problem that the council has been ignoring,” she said.

Ms Tamara Phiri said she is worried about the spread of diseases.

“There are so many flies and this is just a serious health risk, we cannot continue living like this,” she said.

Ms Ayanda Nyathi said the sewer bursts usually occur when water supplies are restored to the suburb on Fridays.

“We know that every Friday or on days when water is restored, sewage flows, and it is so disgusting seeing effluent flowing in the street,” she said.