The Bulawayo City Council and the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (Zinwa) are set to collaborate with an international company to revive groundwater extraction as a solution to the city’s persistent water shortages.
According to the latest council minutes, the city’s department of water and sanitation reported receiving a letter of intent from Primary Water Cooperation, a firm specialising in extracting groundwater from deep underground sources that remain unaffected by droughts.
The company claims a 100% success rate in locating water in arid regions such as the Kalahari Desert and the Great Namib Desert over the past 20 years.
Their technology relies on advanced underground scanning to detect water-bearing rock formations, followed by chemical-free drilling using compressed air at depths of 200–400 meters.
"Their financing models included staged payments with small preparation fee (US$ $50,000) followed by final payment after water delivery, International development funding coordination with World Bank, African Development Bank, or donor organisations, extended payment terms spread over multiple budget cycles and public-private partnership arrangements," the department reported.
Council has since signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Zinwa to conduct hydrogeological studies and implement sustainable groundwater management.
"In light of the above it would be recalled that the council of 5 March, 2025 had resolved that the department of water and sanitation engage and work with key stakeholders to develop a plan for the development and management of the possible Bulawayo groundwater resources," the council report read.
"To this end, the city had signed a memorandum of understanding with Zimbabwe National Water Authority (Zinwa) which sought to establish a formal collaboration between the City of Bulawayo and Zinwa to conduct detailed hydrogeological studies, implement data sharing mechanisms and ensured sustainable groundwater development and management."
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Suggested payment options include staged payments with an initial US$50000 fee, followed by final payment after water delivery and funding partnerships with institutions like the World Bank or African Development Bank.
The move follows a March 2025 council resolution directing the department of water and sanitation to explore groundwater solutions.
In response to primary water’s proposal, the department has been tasked with reviewing the letter of intent alongside Zinwa.
Despite recent good rainfall, Bulawayo continues to face severe water shortages. proposed solutions—such as the long-delayed Gwayi Shangani Dam, Bhopoma Dam in Filabusi, and recycling water from Khami Dam—have yet to materialise, making groundwater extraction a potential lifeline.
