The Zimbabwean government plans to install prepaid water meters nationwide, starting in Harare.
This initiative aims to improve water management, encourage responsible use, and increase revenue collection.
The installation will begin in two to three weeks, focusing first on high-density suburbs in Harare, as well as nearby towns like Norton, Chitungwiza, and Ruwa.
In the first phase, 600,000 meters will be installed, with 320,000 allocated for Harare and the rest for Bulawayo, Gweru, Mutare, and Victoria Falls.
The second phase will expand to other towns and cities throughout the country.
This initiative comes after the government signed contracts with the City of Harare, Hangzhou Liaison Technology Company, and Helcraw Electrical.
Under a Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) model, private companies will manage water purification, distribution, billing, and wastewater treatment. Additionally, Harare will receive a new water treatment plant.
Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe confirmed that contractors are already on site, marking the start of a long-anticipated program first proposed a decade ago.“
