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African Development Bank avails $19,5m for Harare water, sewer

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THE African Development Bank has availed $19,5 million to the Harare City Council (HCC) for water pipe replacement, acquisition of new water meters

THE African Development Bank has availed $19,5 million to the Harare City Council (HCC) for water pipe replacement, acquisition of new water meters and disludging of sewer ponds.

STAFF REPORTER

HCC principal communications officer Michael Chideme said the grant was availed to help council replace the water reticulation system.

The programme is set to begin in February 2015 and will take up to 10 months to complete.

“Of the amount $12 million is for water pipe replacement,” said Chideme in a statement.

“The city’s water reticulation is antiquated and needs urgent replacement.”

“The bulk of Harare’s 5 500km of water pipes were laid over 40 years ago and have naturally gone beyond permitted lifespan.”

Chideme said there have been concerns that the city was not giving priority to pipe replacement hence this grant will go a long way in replacing the old pipes which have caused huge amounts of water losses due to leakages caused by bursts and collapsed pipes.

“The replacement of the old pipes will drastically reduce non-revenue water and ensure that more water reaches the household,” he said.

“This will also increase the city’s revenue as residents accessing water will be inclined to pay for the service.”

Chideme also said part of the funds will be used to disludge sewer ponds in Mabvuku/Tafara and Borrowdale Brook and install new pumps.

At least 140 000 new water meters would be bought using the grant as well as pressure reducing valves.