THE Bulawayo City Council has recommended approval of a water connection application by the Zimbabwe National Road Administration (Zinara) for the Esigodini tollgate, overriding its own suspension on new external connections.
The proposed link, approximately 2,9 kilometres from the 750mm bulk pipeline running from Ncema to Fernhill booster station, comes with strict conditions.
Zinara must engage a qualified private engineer to design and supervise the project, submit all designs for council approval and obtain clearance from the affected farm owner whose land the pipeline will cross.
No construction can begin until prescribed fees are paid and a detailed works programme is submitted to the city’s Water Branch.
Council inspectors will monitor every stage, with Zinara covering inspection fees and mileage.
During deliberations, councillor Khalazani Ndlovu questioned whether the connection would strain the city’s already pressured water supply and risk illegal off-takes along the pipeline.
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However, deputy mayor Edwin Ndlovu supported the application, noting it falls within the 40-kilometre radius of the city’s master plan.
Water department officials assured councillors that safeguards would prevent abuse.
“The facility is only a tollgate requiring water for consumption and ablution. It will not affect the city’s water supply,” the minutes read.
A meter will monitor usage, with Zinara bearing responsibility for any downstream issues.
Council resolved to recommend approval “albeit the resolution which suspended all outside connections”, citing Zinara’s status as a government agency.
In a related development, council reviewed its water allocation regime introduced in June 2024 during critical dam lows.
With improving storage levels, officials recommended a controlled, case-by-case restoration of previous allocations rather than a blanket lift.
“The system is still undergoing stabilisation,” the report read.
Domestic consumers, industries, hotels, hospitals and peri-urban communities will see gradual adjustments as authorities monitor demand trends and system performance before wider changes are implemented, council said.