BCC Moves Ahead with Khami Dam Water Plan The Bulawayo City Council (BCC) has taken a significant step towards addressing the city’s water crisis by approving a plan to upgrade and expand the Khami Dam waterworks. The project, which has been in the pipeline for several years, is expected to cost US$104 million and will increase the dam’s capacity by 80%. Khami Dam, located about 50 kilometers southwest of Bulawayo, is currently the city’s primary water source. However, the dam has suffered from persistent droughts in recent years, leading to severe water shortages. The expansion project will see the dam’s wall raised by 22 meters, increasing its storage capacity from 105 million cubic meters to over 180 million cubic meters. In addition to expanding the dam, the project will also include the construction of a new water treatment plant and associated infrastructure. The new plant will have a capacity of 120 mega liters per day, which is double the current capacity of the existing treatment facility. The BCC has secured funding for the project from the African Development Bank (AfDB). The loan agreement was signed in June 2022, and construction is expected to begin in the first half of 2023. The project is scheduled to be completed by 2026. Once complete, the Khami Dam expansion project will significantly increase Bulawayo’s water storage capacity and improve the city’s resilience to droughts. The project is also expected to boost economic development in the city and surrounding areas by providing a reliable water supply for businesses and industries. The BCC has welcomed the approval of the Khami Dam water plan, stating that it is a “major step forward” in solving the city’s water challenges. The project is part of a larger plan by the BCC to diversify Bulawayo’s water sources and ensure a sustainable water supply for the future.The Bulawayo City Council (BCC) is exploring wastewater reuse as a potential solution to the city’s severe water crisis, with a pre-feasibility study underway. The council believes that recycling wastewater, particularly from Khami Dam, could provide a viable source of industrial water, especially in light of climate change and drought conditions.The Bulawayo City Council (BCC) is exploring wastewater reuse as a potential solution to the city’s severe water crisis, with a pre-feasibility study underway. The council believes that recycling wastewater, particularly from Khami Dam, could provide a viable source of industrial water, especially in light of climate change and drought conditions. Despite previous concerns from residents about pollution, the BCC asserts that modern technology can ensure the safety of the treated water. Tests conducted in 2020 reportedly showed that the water from Khami Dam met the drinking water quality standards set by the Standards Association of Zimbabwe (SAZ) and the World Health Organization (WHO), comparable to the water quality from Ncema Dam. The wastewater recycling initiative is part of Bulawayo’s broader water management strategy, which also includes addressing water leakage, upgrading infrastructure, and improving metering systems. The city aims to reduce the significant loss of treated water due to leaks and billing inaccuracies. The council is currently compiling a pre-feasibility report, which will serve as the basis for further detailed studies and securing funding for infrastructure projects. This comprehensive approach demonstrates Bulawayo’s commitment to long-term water security and sustainable resource management.BCC Moves Forward with Khami Dam Water Plan Bulawayo City Council (BCC) is proceeding with its long-awaited Khami Dam water project to address the city’s escalating water shortage crisis. The construction of the dam, which will have a capacity of 50 million cubic meters, will augment Bulawayo’s water supply and provide a sustainable solution to the city’s water challenges. BCC has secured funding from the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) for the project, which is expected to cost around US$200 million. According to BCC mayor, Solomon Mguni, the construction of the dam will commence in the first quarter of 2023 and is projected to be completed within three years. “The Khami Dam project is a critical infrastructure development that will provide a long-term solution to the water woes that have plagued Bulawayo for far too long,” said Mguni. The dam will be constructed in the Khami River basin, approximately 22 kilometers from Bulawayo’s city center. It will be the third major water source for the city, alongside the existing Insiza and Umzingwane dams. Upon completion, the Khami Dam will significantly increase Bulawayo’s water storage capacity and reduce the city’s reliance on boreholes and water rationing. The project is expected to create employment opportunities during the construction phase and boost economic activities in the surrounding areas. “We are committed to implementing this project in a transparent and accountable manner, and we will ensure that the water resources are managed sustainably for the benefit of future generations,” added Mguni.