Bulawayo residents have welcomed the proposed Glassblock Bopoma Dam construction, expressing hope that it will alleviate the city’s persistent water shortages.
The project was the subject of a public consultation organized by the Bulawayo City Council (BCC), where residents and stakeholders advocated for its swift implementation.
Engineer Kwanele Sibanda, speaking at the meeting, explained that the dam will augment Bulawayo’s water supply for both residential and commercial needs. “This project is critical for the city,” he stated. “It will bring relief to households and industries struggling with water shortages.”
The project, an initiative of the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water, Climate, and Rural Resettlement, will encompass the Glassblock Dam and a pipeline to convey water to the Lower Nomma Treatment Works. It will be executed as a Build, Own, Operate, and Transfer (BOOT) project, with IRG selected as the government’s partner.
Currently, the project is pending approval under the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Authority Act (ZIDA).
While residents expressed optimism, they also urged authorities to ensure the project’s timely completion. “We are happy that something is being done to improve our water supply, but we don’t want unnecessary delays,” said Sibusisiwe Dube, a local resident.
Lorain Siziba, another attendee, added, “This project must benefit everyone, not just a few. We want fairness in how water is distributed.”
The Bulawayo City Council reassured residents that they will receive updates on the project’s progress.
