Chronicle Editor
Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau
LATEST court documents have revealed that the Beitbridge Municipality was duly informed by the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) on its intentions to install a prepaid bulk raw water meter at the water treatment plant as a proposed solution to its ever ballooning debt which is slightly above ZiG3 million.
This is contrary to earlier indications by the local authority that the metre was installed without their knowledge.
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 latest information is contained in the Deed of Settlement and Consent Order (case no CIV 125/24) (Beitbridge Magistrate Court) of 12 September 2024 in the case between the Municipality of Beitbridge where ZINWA and one A Manyeka are first and second respondents.
“The applicant approached this honourable court on an urgent basis seeking restoration of water supply which had been disconnected due to non-payment of bills. Interim relief was granted, requiring the respondents to restore the water supply to the applicant pending determination of this matter,” reads part of the court document.
“The Respondents opposed the confirmation of the interim relief into a final order, asserting their entitlement to payment for the services rendered and proposing that water supply be restored on a prepaid basis”.
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 recent public notice, Beitbridge Town Clerk Mr Loud Ramakgapola said the new bulk water took effect from September 23 this year. The latest development has led to an acute water crisis with many residents, rate payers and Government deportments owing the council over ZiG40 million in bills.
Online Reporter