By Mkhokheli Zibengwa
Bulawayo Mayor David Coltart has laid out a bold vision for 2025, prioritizing solutions to the city's most pressing challenges, including water shortages, sewage rehabilitation, and urban economic development.
Addressing the sewage crisis, Coltart acknowledged the underperformance of the city’s eight sewer plants but confirmed plans to rehabilitate them through private-sector partnerships. "Work is expected to begin this year," he said.
On water shortages, the mayor emphasized the need for government funding to upgrade the Mtshabezi and Insiza pipelines, which would unlock untapped water reserves. Rehabilitation of the water distribution network is also part of the short-term strategy.
“Our immediate goal is to secure government funding to upgrade these pipelines. There’s still a considerable amount of water at Mtshabezi and Insiza dams, but accessing it requires urgent infrastructure improvements," Coltart explained.
He added contingency plans for potential drought conditions, including tapping into the Nyamandlovu Aquifer. “We’ve engaged with a Botswana company that can significantly boost water supplies from the aquifer if necessary,” he noted.
Economic revitalization remains a key focus, with the resumption of Egodini Mall construction and plans to expand market spaces citywide.
The mayor also revealed efforts to implement a structured framework to formalize vendor operations and improve urban economic activity.
These initiatives, Coltart stated, underscore the city’s commitment to addressing urgent challenges while building resilience and fostering economic growth.
