BULAWAYO is spending an average of ZiG36,8 million every month on electricity to pump water, highlighting the enormous financial burden of supplying water to residents using ageing and inefficient infrastructure.
A report by the city’s water and sanitation department shows that the city’s two major bulk water pumping stations, Ncema and Fernhill, account for approximately 95% of total electricity consumption in the water supply system.
The report says these two stations were the main drivers of water delivery costs.
“The Ncema and Fernhill Pump Stations are the City of Bulawayo’s most energy-intensive water supply assets and represent the primary drivers of the cost of water delivery.”
The financial pressure is worsened by expensive peak-hour electricity tariffs.
Although only 36% of water volumes are pumped during peak tariff periods, this accounts for 53% of the total monthly energy bill.
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This means the city is paying disproportionately high costs to keep water flowing during costly tariff windows.
“Current operating costs are significantly influenced by time-of-use electricity tariffs.”
The department warned that the situation is straining council finances.
“This activity accounts for 53% of the total monthly energy bill, placing substantial pressure on the city’s operational finances,” the report added.
It further indicates that part of the problem lies in Bulawayo’s ageing pump infrastructure, with several key pumps either broken down or operating below capacity.
At Ncema Pump Station, only one of three Flowserve pumps and one of three Sulzer pumps are functional.
At Fernhill, only one of three Flowserve pumps and one of three Sulzer pumps are operational.
The report says breakdowns and delayed rehabilitation projects continue to undermine pumping efficiency.
Critical transformer infrastructure is also under growing pressure.
While most transformers remain functional, council warned that ageing electrical assets at strategic pumping sites pose a serious risk.
“Ncema and Fernhill... have multiple transformers with known defects.
“Some units are operating despite oil leaks or deterioration and are overdue for routine maintenance.”
To cut costs, council plans to rehabilitate raw water pumping infrastructure to increase capacity and shift pumping away from expensive peak periods to cheaper off-peak hours.
The city also noted that it intends to install power factor correction units at major pump stations to improve efficiency and reduce energy losses.
According to the report, this strategy can significantly lower water delivery costs.