The City of Bulawayo says it cleared 1,940 sewer chokes in August 2025, significantly reducing the backlog from 823 to 338 cases as it battles aging infrastructure, water shedding, and infrastructure abuse.
City officials revealed that the Nkulumane zone alone accounted for nearly half of the daily reports, with between 90 and 120 sewer blockages recorded each day.
“We receive an average of 90 to 120 sewer blockage reports daily, with the Nkulumane zone contributing nearly half of these cases,” the statement noted.
Despite challenges such as an aging fleet and water shedding, progress has been made through the engagement of private contractors for jetting and winching services.
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The City highlighted that “emergency interventions, including the engagement of private contractors for jetting and winching services, have been instrumental in this progress.”
The situation has been worsened by outdated vehicles, limited resources, and residents disposing of inappropriate materials into the sewer system.
“Infrastructure abuse, including the disposal of inappropriate materials into the sewer system, continues to undermine the City’s efforts,” the release stated.
Authorities said the response strategy has included engaging contractors under the “As and When” Sewer Framework to deal with persistent blockages, rehabilitating sewer outfalls in Pumula East and Entumbane, procuring essential sewer materials for ongoing repairs, and initiating fleet replacement and manpower restructuring to improve efficiency.
Mayor Senator David Coltart urged residents to cooperate by protecting infrastructure and reporting sewer blockages promptly, adding that the City remains committed to restoring sanitation services and safeguarding public health.
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