Chronicle Editor
Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau
THE Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) has installed a prepaid bulk raw water meter at the water treatment plant in Beitbridge to force the local authority to settle its debt of over ZWG3 million.
ZINWA and the Beitbridge Municipality are involved in a long cat and mouse game over the control of water management in the town, which has seen the former cutting supplies to the town twice in the last three months.
The two entities have also taken each other to court over tariffs ZINWA is charging the council on bulk water supplies.
The water authority supplies bulk raw water to the council which treats and supplies the end user.
In a public notice, Beitbridge Town Clerk Mr Loud Ramakgapola said the new bulk water metres will function from this Monday.
“The Municipality of Beitbridge would like to advise residents and stakeholders that the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) has installed bulk raw water meter before the water treatment plant. The bulk raw water metre will function effective from 23 September 2024”, said Mr Ramakgapola.
“As a result any amount of raw water the town will need from ZINWA, it will be paid for in advance and none payment will result in water supply interruption. Stakeholders and residents are urged to take note of this new development as the town will only be able to receive bulk water from ZINWA upon advance payment.
The local authority is calling on stakeholders and residents to settle their bills on time so as to avoid service interruption”.
ZINWA said recently that it bills the Municipality an average of ZiG 500 000 for their monthly bulk raw water requirements while the local authority has been making monthly payments averaging ZiG 80 000 resulting in the accumulation of a bill which now stands at of ZWG2,7 million and hence it had to take drastic measures to force the council to service the debt.
Online Reporter