BCC Assures Public of No Tariff Increase Due to Water and Sanitation Utility

2 April 2025

By Anisha Hungwe

The Bulawayo City Council (BCC) has assured residents that the new water and sanitation utility will not lead to any increase in service tariffs. The council emphasized that the utility’s creation will not affect the cost of water and sanitation services.

In an interview with Skyz Metro FM, BCC Principal Engineer Mrs. Kwanele Sibanda explained that the utility aims to improve service delivery, not raise costs for residents. She confirmed that tariffs will remain unchanged despite the restructuring.

“The purpose of this utility is to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of our water and sanitation services,” she stated. “We want to assure the public that this restructuring will not lead to any change in the current tariff structure.”

BCC Corporate Communications Officer Bongiwe Ngwenya assured the public of continuous engagement throughout the utility’s establishment.

She emphasized that residents will be regularly consulted and informed of any developments, particularly regarding budget changes.

“We will maintain open lines of communication with our residents,” she said. “We will keep them fully informed of all developments, particularly concerning budget changes, and ensure they are part of the process.”

The utility, fully owned by BCC, addresses a maintenance gap in the city’s infrastructure. With a BCC-approved budget, no extra public funds will be needed.

The full implementation is expected in 18 months.