The Nyamandlovu Aquifer, one of Bulawayo City Council’s major water sources, has been hit hard by vandalism with deputy mayor, Edwin Ndlovu, calling for security beef up.
This was disclosed at a recent council meeting when ward 10 councillor, Khalazani Ndlovu, inquired on the progress on pump repairs at Umzingwane.
“She inquired on measures taken at Nyamandlovu Aquifer to prevent vandalism,” the minutes read.
“He (deputy mayor) questioned on how vandalism took place in the presence of council security guards. He emphasised that council as a beneficiary, should take measures to increase security at boreholes,” the minutes read.
Water and sanitation director Skhumbuzo Ncube indicated that there have been delays on repairs to Umzingwane pumps mainly caused by delays in the delivery of motors.
He said the Nyamandlovu boreholes were located outside council’s jurisdiction hence there was not much the city could do pertaining to security.
During the meeting, it was advised that there were only five BCC security guards and one supervisor at Nyamandlovu Aquifer who did not have the capacity to guard the 77 boreholes doted across the aquifer.
Zimbabwe National Water Authority (Zinwa) and Zesa were expected to also provide security to safeguard the pumps and transformers at the aquifer.
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Town clerk Christopher Dube advised that boreholes should adopt the new water pumping technology.
“He also mentioned that security at Nyamandlovu Aquifer should to be provided by Zesa, Zinwa and BCC. He highlighted that if council was to guard the whole of Nyamandlovu, 600 guards would be required which was beyond council’s financial capacity.”
