Council must fix every water leak without delay

BULAWAYO City Council has shown a lack of concern for the plight of its residents by failing to attend to a water leak at the Criterion Water Works in Burnside for the past 12 months.
Similarly, other leaks around the city have been left unaddressed, while residents continue to suffer acute water shortages for at least six days each week.

This situation is unacceptable, to say the least, especially when we are in the midst of a crippling drought, and every drop of water counts.
It is disheartening that the council, which should be at the forefront of preserving this precious liquid, has taken such a lackadaisical approach. This is a water crisis, and as such, it demands a co-ordinated and urgent response from all stakeholders.

As the guardians of our water infrastructure, the council has a solemn obligation to ensure that every leak is fixed immediately and that all efforts are made to conserve water.
It is unfathomable that a water leak of this magnitude has gone unattended for a year, while residents suffer the consequences of this negligence.

Any leak, no matter how small, has the potential to waste thousands of litres of water every day.
With Bulawayo experiencing severe water scarcity, such wastage is unacceptable and must not be allowed to continue.
Water is a precious resource, and it must be treated as such. The council should be leading by example, showing residents that water conservation is a top priority and that every effort is being made to ensure we have access to this essential commodity.

Instead, it is subjecting residents to a punishing water-shedding schedule that affects their everyday lives and businesses.
It is not enough for the council to explain that it is facing financial constraints and that the situation is beyond its control.

This is a municipal body, and it has a responsibility to serve residents in the best way possible, and this includes providing basic services such as clean water.
The council must find innovative ways of addressing this water crisis, including exploring partnerships with other stakeholders to fund water conservation initiatives.

The council must fix every water leak without delay, and institute measures to conserve water.
It must also be transparent in its plan to address this crisis, communicating with residents effectively, and providing regular updates on the progress made.
It is time for the council to take the issue of water conservation seriously, and to act in the interest of residents who rely on it for their daily needs.