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    Investor proposes stand-alone water utilities for towns

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    Bulawayo, (New Ziana) – Zimbabwe has been encouraged to establish water utility companies across its towns and cities to enhance efficiency and improve water and sanitation services.

    Robson Manatsa, project manager at VEI Waterworxs, a Dutch-owned company highlighted the potential benefits during a Water Indaba held in Bulawayo, the country’s second-largest city on Thursday.

    “Zimbabwe has remained one of the few isolated countries that have not considered the introduction of water utility companies aimed at improving water and sanitation services in local authorities, something which has become a norm in the region,” he said.

    VEI has been exploring partnerships with the Bulawayo City Council (BCC) to manage water and sanitation services. However, the initiative has faced resistance from residents, who view it as a move toward privatizing these essential services.

    However, Manatsa set the record straight arguing that Zimbabwe was lagging behind in implementing the initiative.

    “The council resolution we have is that the utility will be totally owned by the council. This is 100% shareholding owned by the council. This is the type of utility that we are working on now,” he said.

    Manatsa explained that separating the water sector from general municipal business can lead to greater efficiency and transparency. “Our experience has been that once there is separation, there are a lot of efficiencies that can be gained, and it’s easier to come up with a utility that is more transparent and more attractive to financials,” he noted.

    Drawing comparisons with other African nations, Manatsa emphasized that similar utility models have been successfully implemented in countries like Botswana, South Africa, Mozambique, and Uganda.

    “This experience is not only in the Netherlands; we have also seen it across Africa,” he said. VEI has been actively engaging with the Bulawayo City Council (BCC) on this initiative, conducting presentations and providing options to councillors.

    “The council is still getting proposals, options, and all inputs. Once councillors agree on something, they will then come back to you (residents) with a council decision,” Manatsa explained.

    He further mentioned that legislative frameworks currently governing local authorities in Zimbabwe pose challenges, as councils are bound by strict procurement processes. Implementing the proposed utility model is expected to require significant investment, estimated at US$17 million, Manatsa said. However, he assured stakeholders that funding could be secured through VEI’s partnerships, provided there is commitment from all parties.

    “At least US$ 17 million is required and BCC won’t get that as a loan but we will provide it through our partners. it’s possible to get the funds, should there be commitment from all stakeholders.”

    “The reforms aim to align Zimbabwe’s water and sanitation services with regional standards, ensuring a more sustainable and efficient future for its cities and towns,” he said.

    New Ziana

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