Online Reporter
Remember Deketeke
Municipal Correspondent
MORE than 21 000 prepaid water meters and 20 kilometres of piping have been installed across Harare as the city intensifies efforts to reach 100 000 meters by the end of 2026, in a major push to modernise water delivery and improve revenue collection.
This was said by Helcraw Water managing director Mr Zodeck Muchoko during a tour of suburbs where prepaid water meters are being installed.
“As of yesterday, we have installed a total of 21 000 prepaid meters and laid about 20 kilometres of piping,” he said.
Helcraw Water is a private contractor working in partnership with the City of Harare to upgrade water infrastructure and roll out prepaid metering systems as part of broader reforms to improve service delivery.
Mr Muchoko said the expansion is aimed at modernising Harare’s water distribution network and improving efficiency in service delivery.
He added that Helcraw is also set to replace 106 kilometres of ageing pipes within Harare’s central business district this year to curb leakages and enhance system performance.
“We are working to ensure that the infrastructure matches the new metering system so that residents can fully benefit from improved service delivery,” he said.
For years, Harare’s antiquated infrastructure has led to significant inefficiencies, including high levels of water losses and erratic supply, and the rollout, which began late last year, is already transforming the lives of residents in high-density suburbs such as Warren Park 1.
Mr Charles Bere said the introduction of prepaid meters, coupled with pipe replacement, has improved both access and reliability.
“We used to have serious water challenges. Sometimes we would only get water once every fortnight,” he said.
“The move to install meters and new pipes in our area has brought consistency and cleaner water.”
He also welcomed the end of estimated billing, which he described as unfair and unpredictable.
“In the past, council officials would not come to read meters but would instead estimate from their offices, charging households varying amounts each month,” he said.
Another resident, Ms Spiwe Naison, said the development has significantly improved living conditions for many families.
“We used to rely on a stormwater drain for water, including for drinking, washing and bathing,” she said.
“For the first time, I can now bath using a shower and wash plates with tap water, something I never experienced growing up.”
Prepaid water meter systems are increasingly being viewed as a practical solution to Harare’s long-standing challenges, particularly in reducing non-payment, promoting responsible water use and strengthening municipal finances.
Countries such as Uganda, Botswana, Zambia and South Africa have implemented similar systems that reduce debt, encourage responsible consumption and stabilise municipal revenues.
City authorities say the programme will be extended to surrounding urban centres such as Norton, Chitungwiza and Ruwa as part of broader efforts to stabilise water supply across the metropolitan region.
The rollout is expected to play a critical role in restoring order, improving revenue collection and ensuring sustainable water supply across Harare.
Peter Tanyanyiwa