BULAWAYO residents are calling on the local authority to introduce separate potable and non-potable water systems to conserve treated water and reduce runoff that damages roads.
Residents of ward 7 in Sizinda and the Bulawayo Progressive Residents Association (BPRA) say the city can draw lessons from dual water supply models already being used elsewhere in Zimbabwe.
A Ward 7 resident, who preferred to remain anonymous, said the city should establish local collection points where runoff water can be stored and reused for non-drinking purposes.
“We used to have places like Vinivini in Mahleka where we could catch fish. They closed it after filling it with sand, despite our objections, because that is where they used to draw water for road construction and other projects in the surrounding areas,” he said.
“So, if we can identify a place where we can have a local dam to collect runoff water that is currently going to waste and damaging our roads, that could be another solution to our problem.”
The resident also questioned the quality of water supplied to households and proposed that the city adopt a dual water distribution system.
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“Sometimes I am shocked because we usually receive dirty water from our taps.
“Can a system be put in place that separates non-potable water from potable water?
“There is a place in Zimbabwe, around Triangle, where there are two separate water systems.”
BPRA chairperson Steven Nkomo said the proposal had previously been discussed with the city council.
“We have discussed such an idea with the council,” he said.
“I remember we used to have what was called reclaimed water, and during our discussions we asked why the system had been discontinued.”
Nkomo suggested that different water sources could be allocated for different uses.
“We wish Khami Dam water could be treated and supplied as reclaimed water for domestic purposes such as washing, gardening and other non-drinking uses.
“Water from the city’s other dams could then be reserved for drinking and cooking.”