INTERMITTENT power cuts experienced in the country are reportedly crippling operations in Bulawayo’s Donnington West, Thorngrove and Luveve industrial sites.
This was revealed by the Bulawayo City Council’s town planning department in a survey report titled A Review of Local Plan No 8 (Industrial Areas) .
The countrywide power cuts have resulted in load shedding lasting long as 18 hours at times.
“Following the door-to-door surveys which were carried out, it was noted that most industries which include Donnington West, Thorngrove, along Wilton Road and Luveve industries experience prolonged electricity power cuts and faults. This disrupts production and increases the cost of operating,” the report read.
The electricity crisis also reportedly affects water supplies, sewer systems, internet services and telephone services to the industries.
“The existing industrial areas are served with reticulated water and sewage facilities, telephone, electricity, internet and health infrastructure. In terms of water supply, there are few concerns over water rationing although water challenges are not entirely absent. Most industries have boreholes as a measure of avoiding water challenges,” council said.
“Future industrial development will necessitate the upgrading of existing service facilities or provision of additional infrastructure to accommodate envisaged development.”
Council’s town planning department also indicated that there are opportunities for industrial growth in Bulawayo with Umvumila industrial zone having sites to develop industrial areas.
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“These include sewerage, water, roads, electricity and telephone facilities. Accessibility is the most important aspect since it is a catalyst that fuels easy transportation of finished products and the flow of goods from one industry to another.
“The study area has a railway which services Steeldale, Belmont and Donnington. For future development, the area around Cement Side can be economically rail serviced due to its proximity to Harare road,” the report added.
