Water as a Political Weapon in Bulawayo

Residents’ Views and Sentiments from Zimbabwean Politicians

Abstract

The water crisis in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe’s second-largest city, has persisted for decades despite numerous intervention strategies spearheaded by politicians, many of which have failed to produce meaningful and lasting results. This paper examines residents’ perspectives and politicians’ perceptions regarding the manipulation of this enduring crisis, highlighting how efforts to resolve it have remained largely fruitless. It traces the historical development of water shortages in Bulawayo and reviews the various intervention strategies that have been implemented over time. The study draws on a desk review of existing literature and data collected through semi-structured interviews with local residents, current and former councillors, and Members of Parliament across different wards in the city. The findings indicate that both residents and political leaders acknowledge the urgency of the water crisis and the need for a sustainable, long-term solution. However, such a solution appears contingent upon mutual understanding and cooperation among Zimbabwe’s dominant political parties, with a focus on service delivery rather than political power. When access to a basic resource such as water is politicized, used to discredit opponents or to gain electoral support, it risks becoming deeply entrenched, to the extent that even viable solutions are obstructed by artificially created barriers. Persistent failure of interventions to produce lasting results suggests the presence of systemic challenges that require comprehensive, holistic approaches beyond mere political will. It is therefore essential for leaders to prioritise long-term sustainability and to meaningfully involve local communities in decision-making processes, ensuring that proposed solutions are responsive to their lived realities.