By Sharon Sibindi | Mar. 23, 2025 The Southern Eye

Bulawayo mayor David Coltart has expressed frustration over bureaucratic bottlenecks stalling the long-awaited Glassblock Dam project, a crucial initiative aimed at securing a stable water supply for the city.

The proposed dam to be built on the Umzingwane River will have a capacity of 130 million cubic metres of water.

It has been identified as a medium-term solution to the city’s water shortages that will also usher in rural industrialisation through irrigation.

The dam has become the city council’s top priority as part of a broader strategy to secure a reliable water supply for Bulawayo.

Coltart warned that without swift action from the central government, the project could face indefinite delays.

In an interview with Southern Eye on Sunday, Coltart revealed how red tape at the national level was slowing down investment efforts in Bulawayo.

“We have made significant progress in identifying contractors and even secured indications of support worth US$93 million at the African Investment Forum in Morocco last December,” Coltart said. 

“But we now seem to be bogged down by bureaucracy in Harare, with agreements that need to be signed still pending, and necessary approvals not yet granted.”

The estimated cost of constructing the Glassblock Bopoma Dam is US$100 million.

The project is running under a build, operate and transfer model for 25 years, and will have its concession issued by the government.

Government awarded the engineering, procurement, and construction contract to construction firm J R Goddard Contracting.

According to council, the dam is expected to increase water inflows to Bulawayo by 70%.

This will require a 32-kilometre pipeline to pump water from the dam to Ncema, whose pumping system also needs rehabilitation.

The Gwayi-Shangani dam project, which is seen as a long lasting solution and was mooted in 1912, is taking ages to complete.

During a meeting on March 7, 2024, with then Local Government minister, Winston Chitando, council indicated plans to complete construction of the Glassblock dam by 2027.

Coltart lamented that the broader investment climate in Zimbabwe remained unfavourable, frustrating development of Bulawayo.

“Fundamentally, the major problem is that we are located in Zimbabwe, where the investment climate is generally unfavourable,” he said.

“We are trying to make Bulawayo more attractive, but we have hurdles — ensuring a secure source of water, cleaning up our sewage plants, and restoring order in the city.”

Coltart also pointed to deteriorating road conditions and traffic congestion as ongoing challenges that need urgent attention. 

“Unless we get those fundamentals right, the city will remain an unattractive destination irrespective of the national climate,” he added.

Coltart also cited delays at the Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe as another major obstacle, with some basic expenditure approvals taking over six months.

“These delays affect our ability to function efficiently,” he said.

“We can have revenues coming in, but if we can’t spend them due to bureaucratic bottlenecks, progress stalls.”

 16 March 2025 Bulawayo24news

Bulawayo City Council is struggling to progress on major projects aimed at improving infrastructure and addressing ongoing water challenges, as the Local Government Ministry has yet to approve the city’s 2025 budget.

The council’s proposed 2025 budget stands at US$53 million, a significant reduction from the initial US$309 million due to objections raised by various stakeholders, including residents and the business community. Despite the budget cut, most of the allocated funds will go towards addressing water reticulation and sanitation, social services, housing, and road infrastructure – areas critical for the city’s development.

With Bulawayo facing severe water shortages exacerbated by drought and depleted dam levels, water infrastructure has been identified as a key priority. However, without budget approval, progress on these crucial projects is at a standstill.

Local Government Minister Daniel Garwe recently stated that over 90% of other council budgets have already been approved, further highlighting the delay in Bulawayo’s case.

Bulawayo Mayor David Coltart expressed frustration over the ongoing delay, emphasizing how it has hindered the city’s service delivery. “We appeal to the government to approve our budget so that we bring development within our city as delays have only led to deterioration of services,” Coltart said. “It is strange the central government has never given us any reasons why they have been delaying to approve our budget.”

The failure to secure budget approval has also impacted essential city services. Coltart revealed that the council is struggling to collect refuse and purchase necessary equipment due to a lack of funds, which has delayed the city’s development agenda.

The council’s initial US$309 million budget had to be revised, with concerns over the income-to-salary ratio. Government regulations stipulate that no more than 30% of the council’s income should be allocated to salaries, a guideline the initial budget did not comply with.

In response, the council is proposing the introduction of a special roads levy and a special water levy. Domestic properties would be required to pay US$1 per month for each levy, while commercial properties would pay US$10 per month.

The 2025 budget, themed “Consolidating Economic Transformation,” is in alignment with the government’s National Development Strategy I, which aims to position Zimbabwe as an upper-middle-income society by 2030. For Bulawayo, this vision focuses on sustainability, infrastructure renewal, and improving service delivery.

However, the city continues to grapple with urban decay, poor road infrastructure, and worsening social services, compounded by the ongoing water crisis with no immediate solutions in sight.

Minister Garwe has yet to respond to inquiries from Sunday Southern Eye regarding the reasons for the delay in approving the council’s budget. The delay continues to cast a shadow over Bulawayo’s development prospects, leaving residents and businesses alike frustrated with the lack of progress.

14 Mar 2025 Bulawayo24news

The Bulawayo City Council (BCC) has requested authorization to utilize part of its allocation from the Zimbabwe National Road Administration (Zinara) for the procurement of tools, plant, and equipment aimed at the rehabilitation and construction of roads.

The request is outlined in the council’s latest meeting minutes concerning the local authority’s road projects for the year 2025. According to the department of works, BCC was allocated a total of ZiG61,986,822 (approximately US$2.35 million) by Zinara for both periodic and routine maintenance works for the upcoming year.

The department has proposed to allocate 70% of this allocation, or ZiG43,390,775.40 (around US$1.64 million), towards periodic maintenance projects. These will include major works such as the overlaying of Matopos Road, one of the key infrastructural projects for the city.

The remaining 30%, equating to ZiG18,596,046.60 (around US$704,675.97), is to be earmarked for routine maintenance throughout the city. This will cover essential activities such as pothole patching, crack sealing, and slurry sealing to maintain the quality of the road network.

The allocation was calculated using the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) interbank exchange rate of US$1 to ZiG26.3895 as of February 5, 2025.

However, the minutes also indicated that the department plans to amend the initial 2025 Zinara-funded Road Works Implementation Plan, which was submitted earlier in the year. This decision follows a meeting on January 30, 2025, between Zinara CEO Nkosilathi Ncube, Bulawayo mayor David Coltart, and town clerk Christopher Dube.

The proposed amendments come as a result of delays in the procurement process and the rising cost of hiring plant and equipment from contractors. In response, the department proposed that the funds originally allocated for the rehabilitation of Matopos Road be redirected to procure plant, equipment, and tools for the city’s own use.

Instead of continuing to hire equipment or engage contractors for road works, BCC intends to purchase its own machinery. The expected savings from this shift in strategy would be redirected to acquire additional materials necessary for road repairs and construction.

The council’s decision to use in-house plant and equipment is expected to streamline the maintenance process, cut costs, and increase efficiency in road construction. BCC is seeking formal approval to utilize the 2025 Zinara allocation of ZiG61,986,822 (US$2.35 million) for the procurement of the necessary plant, equipment, tools, and materials for these vital road projects.

The outcome of this proposal will be closely watched, as successful implementation could pave the way for more self-sufficient and cost-effective management of Bulawayo’s road infrastructure.

09 Mar 2025 Bulawayo24news

Bulawayo councillors are advocating for the creation of an inter-departmental team to market the city to potential investors in the diaspora. The move comes as the city prepares to host its inaugural Bulawayo Economic Development Conference, aiming to drive economic transformation and foster sustainable growth.

During a full council meeting last Wednesday, the city’s Deputy Mayor, Councillor Edwin Ndlovu, highlighted the untapped potential of Zimbabweans living abroad, many of whom have expressed interest in assisting with the city’s development. He noted that while there are many potential partners, there is no structured platform to engage the diaspora and attract investment.

“My plea to the city is that we accelerate marketing the city, not just locally, but also in the diaspora. There are many Zimbabweans living outside the country who are eager to assist by adopting our roads, street lighting, and buildings to ensure proper maintenance,” said Clr Ndlovu.

He proposed the formation of an inter-departmental committee tasked with reaching out to the diaspora and creating a platform for engagement. “There are many people interested in helping, but there is no platform in place for them,” he added.

Bulawayo, as one of Zimbabwe’s major industrial and commercial hubs, holds significant potential to contribute to national economic growth, job creation, and improved quality of life for residents. In a bid to strengthen this role, the city will host the Bulawayo Economic Development Conference from 9 to 11 April.

The conference is expected to serve as a critical platform for stakeholders to discuss innovative solutions, share best practices, and form partnerships aimed at fostering inclusive and sustainable economic development in the city. Participants from the government, business sector, academia, economic think tanks, and civil society will be involved in shaping strategies for Bulawayo’s growth.

“The conference aims to promote sustainable industrialization, focusing on environmentally friendly practices and transitioning to circular economy models. It will also address the development of smart, resilient infrastructure adaptable to climate change, alongside investment strategies for sustainable infrastructure,” said a city spokesperson.

As part of its broader economic development agenda, the city has identified several key areas for discussion during the conference, including sustainable industrial practices, climate-resilient infrastructure, and strategies for improving resource efficiency.

However, despite the city’s forward-thinking initiatives, councillors have voiced concerns about the slow pace of response from the local authority’s management. Mayor David Coltart expressed frustration over the casual handling of communication, particularly regarding expressions of interest from potential investors.

Clr Coltart, who has a strong working relationship with the city’s management, expressed his concern during the council meeting, noting that management’s delays in responding to queries were hindering progress. “We are in 2025, not 1980. Emails are the primary means of communication in the modern world and must be treated with the same urgency as written mail,” he emphasized.

He cited an example where it took two years for the council to respond to a proposal for the establishment of a medical facility. “We had a resident from Ward 8 approach management in 2023 about establishing a medical center. To date, he has not received a formal response, which is unacceptable. If we are to be a smart, transformative city, this culture must change,” Clr Coltart said.

Ward 18 Councillor, Felix Takunda Madzana, echoed the Mayor’s sentiments, revealing that many residents have expressed frustration with the slow response times when approaching management with partnership proposals. “If individuals want to assist the local authority, the process should not be so difficult. We’ve had many residents give up after receiving no response for extended periods,” said Clr Madzana.

The councillors’ call for more efficient management practices underscores the need for the local authority to improve its responsiveness and foster a more business-friendly environment, ensuring that potential investors and stakeholders feel valued and engaged.

As Bulawayo prepares for the upcoming economic conference, the pressure is on for the city to not only strengthen its infrastructure and investment strategies but also to streamline internal processes and communications to ensure a more attractive environment for both local and international partners.

03 Mar 2025 Bulawayo24news

The Bulawayo City Council has invested US$778 260 in installing new elevators at the Tower Block Municipal Building, with further plans to rehabilitate other key city assets, including the City Hall Clock. The six new elevators were commissioned last Friday, marking a significant upgrade for one of the city’s most essential administrative buildings.

The Tower Block serves as a crucial hub for municipal operations, handling financial transactions such as rate payments and other city services. However, for years, ageing elevators have posed a major challenge for both employees and residents, particularly those with mobility difficulties, forcing many to walk up as many as 12 floors.

City Mayor Councillor David Coltart acknowledged the deteriorated state of the previous lifts, calling them a “disgraceful condition” that had caused significant inconvenience to city workers and the public.

“This project commenced on 28 February 2024 and was completed ahead of schedule by the Schindler subsidiary company, Shindwe. My heartfelt thanks go to Shindwe and our own engineering staff, who ensured this project was completed within budget and ahead of schedule,” said Cllr Coltart.

He added that the US$778 260 spent on the project was an excellent investment of ratepayers’ money, as it improved service delivery and accessibility within the municipal offices.

With the successful completion of the Tower Block lift project, the council now aims to rehabilitate the City Hall lift and restore other historic city landmarks. Among these projects is the restoration of the City Hall Clock and the fountain located within the City Hall precinct.

“Our desire is to deliver a first-class service to all residents so that Bulawayo becomes the best-run city in Zimbabwe and the rest of Africa,” Cllr Coltart stated.

The installation of new elevators comes at a time when many buildings in Bulawayo have decommissioned their lifts due to the high cost of maintenance. Those that remain operational are often poorly maintained and frequently out of service. Incidents of people getting trapped in malfunctioning elevators have become increasingly common, making the city’s latest investment a significant improvement for municipal infrastructure.

Residents have welcomed the initiative, expressing hope that the council will continue upgrading public facilities to improve accessibility and service efficiency across the city.

20 February 2025 ZimEye

Bulawayo mayor and human rights lawyer David Coltart has weighed in on former U.S. President Donald J. Trump’s controversial statement regarding Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in which Trump labeled Zelensky a “dictator” due to Ukraine’s lack of elections since Russia’s invasion.

In a pointed response, Coltart drew a historical parallel with World War II, highlighting that while the United Kingdom held elections during the war, it did not conduct a general election. The last general election before the war was in 1935, and the next only occurred in July 1945, following the war’s end. During the conflict, Britain was governed by a wartime coalition government led by Winston Churchill, comprising the Conservative, Labour, and Liberal parties. The general election due in 1940 was postponed under the Emergency Powers (Defence) Act.

“No one would ever have called Churchill a dictator simply because he didn’t hold an election during World War 2,” Coltart emphasized, countering Trump’s assertion.

He noted that while the USA held elections during World War II, it was never under the direct threat of invasion, unlike Ukraine, which faces the harsh reality of 20% of its UN-recognized territory under Russian control and routine rocket and drone attacks.

“It is, in my opinion, unreasonable to expect Ukraine to hold a general election during the war,” Coltart stated. “How a country can hold free and fair elections in this context is beyond me.”

Trump’s original statement, shared widely on social media, criticized the Biden administration for spending $350 billion on Ukraine’s war effort, suggesting Zelensky mismanaged funds and alleging he played President Joe Biden “like a fiddle.” He further implied that only his leadership could negotiate an end to the war with Russia.

Coltart’s response is gaining traction, with many observers noting the historical precedent and the complexities of holding elections in wartime. The debate underscores the broader geopolitical tensions and the scrutiny over international support for Ukraine amid its ongoing conflict with Russia.

By Nizbert Moyo | Feb. 6, 2025

BULAWAYO City Council (BCC) says the Nyamandlovu aquifer is operating below capacity due to non-functional boreholes.

Bulawayo residents last week implored the local authority to prioritise resuscitating boreholes at the aquifer to alleviate the water crisis in the city.

Mayor David Coltart told Southern Eye that the local authority has no control over the aquifer.

“We have been asking the Zimbabwe National Water Authority to resuscitate Nyamandlovu boreholes and upgrade security, but it is still operating way below its design capacity. Unfortunately, because we do not own the infrastructure, unlike our dams, we have no control over how it operates,” Coltart said.

“We have taken advice from experts on how it is possible to increase its capacity, but once again because we do not own it and it is beyond the city’s boundaries, we have no power to expand its capacity in this way.”

Coltart, however, said the aquifer could not satisfy the city’s demands.

“So while this is a good theoretical option in practice, it depends on government will to address the issue,” he said.

“However, even if this is addressed, there are major environmental concerns linked to expanding the capacity of the Nyamandlovu aquifer and it is that there is no clear science about how it replenishes and this is a critical study which needs to be done prior to us drawing vast quantities of water from the aquifer,” the mayor said.

“So once again, it is, with respect, misplaced to think that Nyamandlovu aquifer can provide Bulawayo’s water needs on an environmentally sustainable and responsible manner going forward.”

The Gwayi-Shangani Dam project, mooted in 1912, is seen as a lasting solution to the city’s perennial water crisis.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa pledged to ensure the project is completed ahead of the 2023 elections.

However, since then, several deadlines have been missed.

William Vundla | Feb. 3, 2025

BULAWAYO supply dams have received less than expected inflows despite heavy rains while other dams in Matabeleland provinces are  spilling.

The inflows to dams such as uMzingwane have been heavily affected by artisanal mining which is leaving huge trenches in the catchment area, thereby affecting the flow of water to the dams.

According to Zimbabwe National Water Authority (Zinwa), as of January 29 this year, Mtshabezi stood at 66,8%, Insiza (42,6%), uMzingwane (34,7%), Upper Ncema (33,9%), Lower Ncema (7%) and  Inyankuni (9,8%).

In an interview recently, Zinwa spokesperson Majorie Munyonga, however, said inflows to the city’s supply dams were encouraging.

“Since the start of the rainy season, there have been significant inflows to the dams which by January 13, 2025, had received a cumulative total of 20,3 million cubic metres of water since December 18, 2024,” Munyonga told Southern Eye.

She said the levels seemed low because water was always in use.

“Their levels, however, appear depressed largely due to the fact that unlike irrigation dams, whose water is mainly utilised during the irrigation or winter season, water abstraction for urban supply dams remains constant and significant regardless of the time of the year,” Munyonga said.