‘Turn challenges into investment opportunities’

PRIVATE sector players in Bulawayo have been challenged to view the city’s current challenges as opportunities for investment and innovation, an approach that could ultimately help address both business and community issues, potentially leading to sustainable solutions and economic growth.

For years, Bulawayo has been experiencing water problems and the challenge has been worsened by depleted water levels at the city‘s supply dams due to the El Nino-induced drought.

Bulawayo is facing an acute water shortage with the city’s supply dams at 40 percent full and needs US$15 million to support short-to-medium term interventions.

Nyamandlovu Aquifer is contributing 13,85ML per day against the optimal 16,38ML per day. Government has also drilled a total of 79 boreholes.

To date Government has disbursed US$1,2 million to finance the resuscitation of the Bulawayo water supply through the oversight of the Bulawayo Technical Committee.

Speaking during a recent engagement with the business community in Bulawayo, city mayor Councillor David Coltart said the private sector has a crucial role to play in solving problems bedevilling the city.

He said while the water scarcity in Bulawayo presents a clear challenge, it is also a significant investment opportunity for private-sector players.

Some of the challenges that Bulawayo is facing include decaying road, water and sewer infrastructure.
Clr Coltart said the construction of Lake Gwayi-Shangani is expected to end Bulawayo’s water crisis.

The massive water project has multiple benefits, including ending Bulawayo’s perennial water challenges, creating a greenbelt in Matabeleland North and contributing to national food security as 10 000 hectares will be placed under irrigation.

It will also have a positive impact on the tourism sector. The project has three main components, which are the construction of the dam wall, the establishment of a mini-hydro power station, and the conveyance pipeline.

“The completion of Lake Gwayi-Shangani is a medium to long-term solution to addressing the city’s water challenges. We are also working with a private consortium to build the Glass Block Dam. You look at the sanitation sector, we are working closely with another private sector company to rehabilitate two of our sewage pumps,” he said.

Clr Coltart said due to its geographical location, Bulawayo has an added advantage in terms of attracting investment.

In terms of road network, the mayor said the city needs US$15 million to maintain the existing road network.
Speaking during the event, Bulawayo Town Clerk Mr Christopher Dube said investors can also leverage the city’s history, heritage and culture and can venture into tourism.

“We are a rich city in terms of heritage and culture and this is an area where investors can tap into tourism opportunities,” he said. — chronicle