TIZ Hosts Policy Dialogue on Water and Land Issues in Bulawayo

Transparency International Zimbabwe (TIZ) and the Bulawayo Progressive Residents Association hosted a policy dialogue meeting yesterday at Small City Hall, focusing on critical water and land issues affecting Bulawayo.

The event aimed to facilitate open dialogue between residents and key stakeholders, including councilors and Members of Parliament, to address corruption in land governance and seek solutions to the city’s ongoing water crisis.

Mr. Thabani Ncube, representing the city mayor and councilors, addressed the attendees. He explained that the absence of city officials was due to their ongoing investigation into the state of Bulawayo’s water supply in collaboration with the Portfolio Committee on Local Government, Public Works, and the Thematic Committee on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Ncube clarified the structure of city council bills, noting that while residents are not charged for water consumption if they do not use the system, all other charges remain mandatory.

During the meeting, residents expressed concerns about excessive billing practices by the city council and the limited hours of water availability. They also urged the government to declare Bulawayo a water disaster city to attract much-needed assistance.