Published: 2 hours ago

Nkulumane, one of Bulawayo's largest high-density suburbs, has emerged as the epicentre of the city's sanitation woes, accounting for nearly half of all sewer blockages reported daily.

According to city officials, between 90 and 120 sewer choke reports are received each day, with the bulk coming from Nkulumane. The trend has sparked debate over whether the suburb's sprawling sewer network was poorly designed or has simply crumbled under the strain of age and neglect.

The problem is compounded by Bulawayo's chronic water shortages. With most residents only receiving running water two days a week, solid waste accumulates in sewer pipes instead of being flushed away, worsening blockages.

In a statement, the City of Bulawayo admitted the crisis had become acute, blaming an ageing fleet of service vehicles and residents dumping inappropriate materials into the system.

Despite the challenges, officials said 1,940 blockages were cleared in August, reducing the backlog from 823 cases to 338. Private contractors have been roped in to assist with jetting and winching services, while sewer outfalls in Pumula East and Entumbane have already been rehabilitated.

"Emergency interventions, including the engagement of private contractors for jetting and winching services, have been instrumental in this progress," the city noted.

Mayor David Coltart said efforts were underway to replace council's outdated fleet, restructure manpower, and fast-track procurement of sewer repair materials.

Still, the stubborn concentration of blockages in Nkulumane stands out. Urban planning experts have long cautioned that some of Bulawayo's older sewer lines — particularly in high-density suburbs — are too narrow to cope with current population levels.

The city has urged residents to play their part by safeguarding public infrastructure and refraining from flushing solid waste into the sewer system.
- Zimlive

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