THE City of Bulawayo has revealed that out of a total of 138 388 water meters recorded citywide in December 2025, a staggering 74% translating to 102 406 accounts were billed on estimated readings.
Only 26%, or 35 982 meters, were physically visited and read.
The figures are likely to reignite long-standing concerns among residents who have consistently accused the council of estimated billings.
According to the latest municipal statistics by the finance and development committee, the high proportion of estimated readings points to operational challenges within the city’s revenue collection and water metering systems.
With nearly three-quarters of consumers not having their meters physically read, questions have emerged over the accuracy and fairness of the billing process.
“The total number of meters city wide in the month of December 2025 is 138 388. 74% of the meters (102 406) were estimated, whilst 26% (35982) were visited for the purpose of obtaining readings,” read part of the report.
Keep Reading
- Revisiting Majaivana’s last show… ‘We made huge losses’
- Edutainment mix: The nexus of music and cultural identity
- ChiTown acting mayor blocks election
- Promoter Mdu 3D defends foreigners 30 minute set
Observers said the 74% estimation rate for December underscored the scale of the issue, particularly in a city where water management remains a sensitive and strategic matter due to limited dam levels and periodic supply disruptions.
Residents’ associations in Bulawayo have, over the years, strongly objected to estimated bills, maintaining that they often receive charges that do not reflect actual consumption patterns.
Many have argued that estimated billing disproportionately affects low-consumption households and those practicing water-saving measures amid the city’s ongoing water supply constraints.
One resident, Abigal Ndimande estimated billing can create revenue predictability for the local authority, but it also carries risks including disputes, delayed payments and erosion of public trust if not backed by regular and verifiable meter readings.
“For a municipality that relies heavily on water revenue to fund service delivery, the credibility of its billing system is critical,” Ndimande said.
“Improving meter reading coverage would not only enhance consumer confidence but also strengthen revenue collection efficiency by reducing billing disputes and account reconciliations.
“As residents we have previously called on the local authority to accelerate the installation of smart meters and adopt digital monitoring systems that allow for remote readings as we feel technology-driven solutions could significantly reduce reliance on estimates.”
Residents said there was an urgent need to revamp the city council’s water billing system saying they cannot be forced to pay for services they are not receiving.
According to residents, the water crisis has exposed the council’s water billing system as defective as they continue to receive unexplained huge bills.
Bulawayo United Residents Association chairperson, Winos Dube, said the council’s water billing system was flawed.