Bulawayo Faces Water Contamination Crisis Amid Safety Concerns

The Bulawayo City Council (BCC) has raised serious concerns over water contamination in multiple parts of the city, citing significant health risks for residents.

A comprehensive analysis of 43 water samples from residential areas, schools, businesses, and hotels revealed troubling results. Over half of the samples failed to meet bacteriological safety standards.

Conducted by the Criterion Laboratory under the Department of Health Services, the tests uncovered contamination levels categorized by faecal coliforms, non-faecal coliforms, and high heterotrophic plate counts (HPC).

In a report presented on October 3, BCC’s Director of Health Services, Dr. Edwin Mzingwane, highlighted worrying findings. Notable locations, including schools, hotels, and even food establishments, were flagged for unsafe water.

Schools like Petra College in Selbourne Park, Ingwegwe Primary School in Pumula East, and Godlwayo Primary School in Pumula Old exhibited contamination linked to human or animal waste.

Prominent hotels, including the Holiday Inn and Cresta Churchill, also reported substandard water quality. Businesses such as Waterford Shops and Emganwini Primary School were identified as sources of non-faecal coliform contamination.

The findings revealed 54% of the samples tested were deemed unsatisfactory. Such a high failure rate underscores the urgency of addressing water safety across Bulawayo.

Additional sites, such as King George VI Home, Steeldale Brewery, and Theological College, were flagged for HPC issues, pointing to broader systemic water quality problems.

Compounding concerns, locations like Pumula North Butchery, Choppies Bellevue, and Nkulumane Country Rank were also identified among sites with compromised water standards.

In an unrelated incident, the BCC received reports of insecticide-contaminated sausages sold at an illegal outlet in Kelvin West Industrial Area. However, a lack of local pesticide-testing facilities hampered analysis efforts.

BCC’s health department also tested pasteurized milk samples from a local dairy, with 40% returning unsatisfactory results. Investigations into these findings have been initiated.

The city council emphasized the need for businesses and institutions to adhere to water quality standards. Swift action is essential to mitigate risks and restore public confidence.

Bulawayo residents and stakeholders now face growing pressure to address these alarming findings promptly.