Bulawayo Mayor David Coltart has raised alarm over the city’s worsening water crisis, revealing that dam levels have plummeted below 50% capacity due to rampant illegal gold panning in catchment areas. The situation has forced the city to implement extended water-shedding schedules, leaving residents without reliable supply for prolonged periods.
Mayor Coltart attributed the sharp decline in water levels to uncontrolled gold panning activities, which have damaged the environment and disrupted natural water flows in key supply zones.
“The destruction of our catchment areas by illegal miners is directly impacting our dams,” he stated. “Without urgent intervention, this crisis will escalate.”
With dam reserves critically low, the Bulawayo City Council has been forced to ration water, with some areas experiencing days without supply. Residents and businesses are struggling to cope, relying on boreholes and water deliveries at soaring costs.
The mayor urged stricter enforcement against illegal mining operations and appealed for national support to safeguard water sources. Environmental experts warn that continued degradation of catchment areas could lead to long-term water shortages, further straining the city’s already fragile infrastructure.
