shloboe boe
Sikhumbuzo Moyo, [email protected]
THE Bulawayo City Council (BCC) faces a critical funding gap of approximately US$30 million to undertake essential water augmentation projects. Topping the list of priorities is the rehabilitation of the Ncema and Fernhill clear water pump stations, requiring an estimated US$6,2 million.
A further US$2 million is urgently needed to complete crucial upgrades at the Aisleby Wastewater Works, specifically focusing on Plants 1 and 2. Addressing the city’s significant non-revenue water (NRW) losses, which currently account for a staggering 46 percent of the city’s clean water supply, is also paramount. NRW encompasses water lost or unaccounted for due to factors such as pipe leaks, theft, evaporation, faulty meters, and inadequate data collection. The losses, ultimately borne by ratepayers, severely impact the efficiency and sustainability of the city’s water supply.
Engineer Sikhumbuzo Ncube, the BCC Director of Water and Sanitation, highlighted the city’s proactive approach to securing sustainable water resources. He acknowledged the critical issue of NRW, stating that 46 percent of the city’s clean water is lost to leaks, bursts, and billing inaccuracies. To mitigate these losses, the council has identified areas prone to pipe bursts and allocated US$1 million for the replacement of aging infrastructure.
Furthermore, the Government has generously provided an additional US$1,5 million to support ongoing projects, including the rehabilitation of the Umzingwane and Inyankuni water sources, upgrades to Ncema’s Bateman filters and dosing equipment, the Criterion bypass, and the vital Mtshabezi/Umzingwane interlinking pipeline.
The Ncema water treatment plant, with a capacity of 80 million litres per day, is currently operating below its potential due to filtration and clarification challenges. Addressing these issues requires significant investment, with an estimated US$3,5 million needed for the refurbishment of the plant’s filters and the construction of sludge beds.
Engineer Ncube stressed the need for a modernised metering system to improve operational efficiency and enhance revenue collection. Currently, only 33 meter readers serve a staggering 136 156 connections, leading to inaccurate billing estimates, customer disputes, and ultimately, revenue losses. To address this, the council has initiated a supplementary procurement process, inviting Expressions of Interest (EOI) from qualified suppliers for the citywide installation of prepaid and smart water meters.
“The metering system is affecting the city’s revenue collection efforts and its ability to provide an efficient service to customers. The city council resolved to introduce prepaid and smart metering systems as a solution to the operational challenges being experienced,” said Engineer Ncube.
Engineer Ncube said that the primary objective of the new metering system is to enhance accountability to customers, ensure accurate billing, and significantly improve revenue collection. He stressed the importance of seamlessly integrating the prepaid and smart metering solution with the BCC’s existing billing system.
Smart water meters offer several key advantages, including real-time monitoring of water consumption. This advanced technology allows for the immediate detection of abnormal usage patterns, such as leaks within a property or within the distribution system. The ability to quickly identify and address these issues will play a crucial role in minimising water losses and optimising the city’s water supply.
