The Bulawayo City Council (BCC) is facing potential legal action due to its alleged failure to adequately manage sewerage systems and provide clean water to residents. The council is under threat of a lawsuit for supplying water contaminated with human waste, which poses a significant risk of waterborne diseases such as typhoid and cholera. Residents have expressed outrage over the council’s handling of sewer bursts and refuse collection, with some vowing to take legal action against the council for its perceived negligence and irresponsibility.
Despite numerous attempts by affected residents to have their situation addressed, BCC authorities have been ignoring their pleas. Instead of humanely attending to the plight of residents affected by the burst sewer pipes, the plumbers responsible for resolving the issue have been uncooperative. Consistent with the alleged pattern of corruption in opposition-run councils, it appears that these plumbers have become corrupt and are now demanding payment to perform their designated duties.
The city is now facing a lawsuit to compel the redirection of sewer pipes away from a resident’s property after a frustrated resident took bold action in response to the authorities’ lax response. Audrey Dlodlo, a homeowner in the affluent North End suburb, was forced to seek refuge in her rural home due to the local authority’s slow and inadequate response. The irony lies in the fact that in June, the city allocated a bloated budget for an arts festival, which drew criticism from residents while failing to maintain a basic sewer system. The same officials who accuse the government of mismanagement are now accused of misappropriating funds themselves. It is disheartening to note that those touted as effective managers have proven to be adept at misusing funds.
Bulawayo mayor David Coltart on Saturday said he would respond to questions after looking at images sent to him. Perhaps he is also involved in the corruption allegations leveled against the plumbers who always demand “something” to attend to emergencies. It is puzzling that a resident would continually receive a reference number for their report, accompanied by assurances of decisive action, yet see no tangible progress or results.
On the other hand, the council is quickly initiating legal proceedings against over 3,000 residents for unpaid bills, while it is utterly failing to fulfill its part of service delivery. The council’s decision to pursue legal action against residents may result in some individuals facing the risk of property loss. The CCC-led council must surely deal humanely with this situation to exhibit that they are indeed the “champions” of human rights as they claim. No to inhumane treatment!
