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THE Bulawayo City Council has resolved to seek Expressions of Interest (EOI) for the supply, delivery, and installation of prepaid and smart water meters, replacing an earlier procurement plan for citywide implementation.
According to the latest Council report, this decision, outlined during a meeting of the Water and Sanitation Committee, marks the initial step towards improving water management and revenue collection for the city.
Residents have always been against the installation of prepaid meters saying they could exclude the poorest households from accessing water, which is a basic human right.
The Director of Water and Sanitation reported that Bulawayo, with its 136 156 metered water connections, faces challenges with accurate billing due to a lack of sufficient meter readers. This has led to discrepancies in water bills, disputes, and payment defaults. The proposed smart and prepaid metering system aims to address these issues by ensuring precise billing, accountability, and improved revenue collection.
Council reports show that the EOI will engage qualified firms capable of delivering a system that integrates with Bulawayo’s existing BIQ billing system and accommodates the various water meter types already in use. The project will include a technical feasibility study, legal compliance assessment under Zimbabwean law, and recommendations for the operational framework.
Significant debate ensued among councillors after tabling of the report. Councillors stressed the need for site visits to cities already using smart meters, highlighting the importance of informed decision-making. They raised concerns about public opposition to smart meters, emphasising the need for thorough consultations and understanding before implementation.
A Principal Water Engineer in the local authority clarified that the EOI represents a preliminary feasibility study rather than a commitment to procurement or installation. The information gathered will guide future decisions, including the possibility of a pilot programme.
Councillors resolved to proceed with the EOI process, granting authority to replace the original procurement plan with the proposed EOI. The resolution aligns with the requirements of the Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe.
Outcomes of the EOI and site visits will determine whether Bulawayo proceeds with implementing prepaid and smart water metering solutions.
The city will now advertise the EOI and arrange site visits to assess the viability of smart water meters based on experiences in other municipalities.
Findings will provide critical insights for the council’s decision-making process.
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