40 000 households now on prepaid metres

The Harare City Council has fitted over 40 000 homes with prepaid water meters, targets 100 000 this year and is rehabilitating Morton Jaffray to nearly double daily output.

The City of Harare and its partner Helcraw Water have also embarked on a massive rehabilitation of Morton Jaffray Water Works to improve water production and delivery for residents.

In a statement, the City Council said for this year the target is to install 100 000 smart water meters.

“Currently, the plant is producing on average, slightly over 300 mega litres a day but with the coming in of Helcraw, production is expected to rise to around 520 mega litres a day, on completion of works currently underway,” the statement said.

“The City of Harare has been losing water through leakages caused by old water pipes but through its partnership with Helcraw, the City is replacing the old pipes.

“The rehabilitation of Morton Jaffray Water Works, the replacing of old pipes and installation of smart water meters will certainly go a long way in alleviating water challenges faced in some parts of Harare.”

Recently, Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume said prepaid water meters being installed will benefit ratepayers.

“So, once you have a prepaid water meter, if you do not get water, we will not charge you. We are no longer giving you a bill based on estimates,” he said.

“For Council, it means we get our money in advance and in real time and we can invest in water,” he said.