THE City of Harare has installed approximately 30 000 smart water meters across several suburbs as part of an ongoing project to improve billing accuracy and water management.
The initiative, which falls under the Harare Water Project in collaboration with Helcraw Electrical, aims to replace old infrastructure with over 320 000 smart pre-paid meters.
Authorities said the new system allowed for correct measurement and payment for actual water consumption, facilitating improved household budgeting and fostering effective water management in the face of the capital’s expanding population.
Acting town clerk Phakamile Mabhena Moyo urged residents to co-operate with installation teams following reports of resistance to the gadgets.
“Installation of smart pre-paid water meters is ongoing across the city,” Mabhena said in a notice to residents.
He said residents were encouraged to replace old galvanised underground water pipes with PVC pipes to minimise leaks.
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There have been mixed reactions to the installation of water meters in the city.
Some residents in areas such as Aspindale Park, Belvedere, Westlea, Mabelreign and Warren Park expressed support for the project.
A Mrs Kadenge, a resident, noted that the new system resolves previous issues with estimated billing.
“We have endured challenges with estimated water charges since taking up residence here,” she said.
“This installation addresses those concerns directly; previously, payments exceeded actual usage, but now they align well with consumption.”
A Mr Simbarshe added that the project would help to repair water infrastructure starting at supply point, stating: “We endorse these smart meters unequivocally.”
Other residents said the water meters were an infringement on the right to water as guaranteed in the Constitution and other international charters.
Others said the forced pre-paid meter rollout was shortsighted, ill-advised and reactionary to long-known challenges affecting water service delivery and billing in local authorities.
The government said the water meter project would be rolled out across the country, starting with Harare.
In 2014, Bulawayo City Council was forced to abandon a pre-paid water meter project rollout following protests from residents.
The areas scheduled for installation in Harare include Budiriro 3, Kuwadzana, parts of Eastlea and Kambuzuma.