The City of Bulawayo has commissioned new pumps and related accessories at the UMzingwane Pump Station as part of ongoing efforts to improve bulk water supply to residents, businesses and institutions across the city.
The commissioning ceremony, held on Friday following rehabilitation works completed on June 19, marks a significant milestone in the city’s water infrastructure development.

The UMzingwane Pump Station, which was established in 1973, has received its first major equipment replacement since it was constructed more than five decades ago.
The project was funded by the Government of Zimbabwe after the appointment of a 20-member Bulawayo Technical Committee on Water in 2023 to provide technical support to the local authority.

Acting on recommendations from the committee, the Government released ZWG22.7 million towards water augmentation projects, enabling the replacement of obsolete pumping equipment and the upgrading of electricity infrastructure at the station.
Speaking to the media during the rehabilitation works, Bulawayo City Council Director of Water and Sanitation, Engineer Sikhumbuzo Ncube, said the project had already yielded positive results.

“The rehabilitation of UMzingwane Pump Station is a major achievement for Bulawayo. The old pumps had reached the end of their lifespan and were no longer operating efficiently. With the installation of the new pumps and upgraded electrical systems, we have significantly improved the station’s pumping capacity and reliability, which will enhance bulk water delivery to the city,” said Engineer Ncube.

He added that the rehabilitation project forms part of broader efforts to improve water security and service delivery for Bulawayo residents.

The commissioning ceremony was officiated by the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Bulawayo Metropolitan Province, Honourable Judith Ncube, who was represented by Permanent Secretary Paul Nyoni.

In his remarks, Nyoni emphasised the importance of collaboration between Government, local authorities and technical experts in addressing the city’s water challenges.

Bulawayo Mayor Senator David Coltart, represented by Councillor Engineer Royini Sekete, Chairperson of the Environmental Management and Engineering Services Committee, expressed appreciation to the Government for availing the funds needed for the project.

In a message delivered on his behalf, Senator Coltart noted that while the rehabilitation of the pump station would not permanently solve Bulawayo’s water challenges, it represents an important step towards improving service delivery and demonstrates a shared commitment to addressing the city’s water needs.

The event was attended by Bulawayo City Councillors, Acting Town Clerk Mrs Sikhangele Zhou, heads of council departments, officials from the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, and Dr Annatoria Chinyama, Chairperson of the 20-member Bulawayo Technical Committee on Water, among other stakeholders.
The commissioning of the upgraded UMzingwane Pump Station is expected to improve the efficiency and reliability of water delivery to Bulawayo, offering relief to residents who have long faced water supply challenges while laying the groundwork for future water infrastructure improvements.