BCC to roll out 2 500 prepaid water meters

THE Bulawayo City Council (BCC) is set to introduce 2 500 smart prepaid water meters in the city’s central business district (CBD) as part of efforts to improve revenue collection, enhance water management and promote efficient usage.

The move, which targets commercial properties and high-consumption users in the CBD, is expected to modernise the water billing system while addressing long-standing challenges linked to estimated billing and non-payment.

The initiative also comes as the city continues to grapple with water supply constraints, with authorities stressing the need for responsible usage and greater accountability from consumers.
Under the new system, property owners and businesses will be required to purchase water credits before consumption — a development council believes will reduce wastage and encourage conservation.

The adoption of smart technology is part of BCC’s broader efforts to upgrade its water management infrastructure and align service delivery with modern systems.

According to the latest council report, the prepaid water meters form part of a wider package of debt recovery strategies aimed at boosting municipal revenues.

“The pilot of 2 500 smart prepaid meters in the CBD will be done by 31 December 2026,” reads the council report.

The local authority is also working on structured payment arrangements for residents, offering three to 10-month flexible plans expected to raise US$11 million.

“On service disconnections, they will be the increase of the current cut-off teams from 11 to a full complement of 18 or engage contracts, expedite repair of two vehicles at workshop and procure six vehicles (long term) at a cost of US$200 000.

“Further, there will be a push to disconnect 12 400 properties per month, engage five contract labourers to deliver notices at a cost of US$6 000 for six months and also procure one heavy-duty printer for notices at a cost of US$12 000,” reads the report.

On Government and parastatal engagement, council aims to pursue a debt swap to recover the US$10 million owed to the city.

BCC also plans to develop a meter reading application or WhatsApp bot integrated into its billing system.
“There will also be the establishment of a Debt management unit, which needs the city to expedite office space at Revenue Hall, procure 25 computers or laptops, procure 25 telephone receivers or lines and engage 25 senior accounts clerks.

“The local authority will also work on the attachment of immovable properties, targeting accounts that have stalled due to lack of moveable assets to attach and follow due legal process to attach and dispose immovable properties, which is targeted at raising US$15 million,” reads the report.

During the debate, councillors suggested the local authority should also consider debt factoring as an alternative recovery method, arguing it could yield better results than disconnections.

“Councillor Mxolisi Mahlangu expressed his appreciation for the report. He applauded the department for the initiative of installing pre-paid water meters. He recalled that council had previously adopted a resolution (2014) on the installation of prepaid water meters in Cowdray Park and it had not yet been implemented.

“He therefore anticipated that the initiative would be rolled out to other suburbs, especially the city centre, citing that some consumers had shown interest in the project. He stated that Council was struggling with revenue leakages as council’s asset register was in shambles and therefore emphasised the importance of embracing technology,” reads the report.

Responding to the concerns, Town Clerk Mr Christopher Dube assured councillors that the timelines outlined in the report would be adhered to and that the administration would work to ensure the strategies succeed.