Bulawayo, (New Ziana) – The Bulawayo City Council has moved closer to implementing the much-anticipated Glassblock Bopoma Dam project after receiving approval from stakeholders to negotiate a Water Purchase Agreement.
The agreement, to be signed by the contractor (JRG Construction), the city council, and the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA), will pave the way for construction to commence.
The decision follows extensive consultations held from January 25 to February 2 this year with 29 wards and key stakeholders, including business leaders, women, youth, and civil society organizations.
While the project garnered overall support, residents raised concerns about water tariffs and the reliability of the proposed infrastructure.
According to the latest council report, two wards outrightly opposed the project, while one expressed partial approval.
“There were concerns about the ongoing delays in the Gwayi-Shangani project, and also what would be the arrangement with Glassblock Dam when Gwayi-Shangani was completed. Residents requested that alternative sources of water be sought, as increasing consumer demand had intensified the pressure on existing systems,” the report stated.
The report further highlighted issues with water leaks and bursts, with residents claiming the city was losing significant amounts of water due to insufficient action by the council. Illegal mining activities (makorokoza) were also cited as a major hindrance to raw water inflows.
Residents also expressed apprehension about proposed tariff increases linked to the Glassblock Dam.
“There were worries about the affordability of water amidst ongoing economic challenges, and whether future tariff increases were inevitable. Residents questioned the rationale for the proposed $0.16 increase in water tariffs, especially given the socio-economic conditions in the country,” the report noted.
Residents were however skeptical about the construction timeline with parallels drawn to delays in the Gwayi-Shangani project.
“Skepticism about the construction timeline and completion of the Glassblock Dam, taking into cognisance the current delays in the Gwayi-Shangani project, was prevalent.
“Questions were raised about the contractor’s engagement and whether the city was relying too heavily on private entities for essential infrastructure,” the report added.
Residents also called for improved communication, including the translation of official documents into local languages. Concerns were also raised about catchment area management and the impact of siltation on the dam’s effective storage capacity.
“There were requests for timely communication, including translations of official documents into local languages in the future. Residents were particularly concerned about catchment area management and the impact of siltation on the city dam’s vs effective storage. They raised previous dam management practices that have seemingly fallen by the wayside,” the report stated.
As negotiations continue, Town Clerk Christopher Dube has been authorised to finalize the Water Purchase Agreement whose terms will ensure the city only pays for water actually delivered and that its quality meets acceptable standards.
Once completed, the Glassblock Dam is expected to alleviate Bulawayo’s water challenges and drive rural industrialization through irrigation projects in nearby areas.
With a projected capacity of 130 million cubic meters, the dam will be constructed through a public-private partnership (PPP).
Strategically located at the intersection of Gwanda, Umzingwane, and Filabusi districts, it will also boost bulk water supplies for local communities.
Estimated to cost US$100 million, the project is targeted for completion within two years.
Plans for the dam were first proposed in 1988 but stalled due to funding and logistical challenges.
A 32-kilometer pipeline will link the dam to the Ncema Dam pump station, enabling Bulawayo to access the water.
New Ziana
