adminHeather Charema Correspondent
Chegutu Municipality is set to upgrade its water supply system by introducing a prepaid billing system by year-end. Government has since allocated $1 million to the municipality for the upgrading of its pumping station and installation of prepaid water meters.
The municipality has set aside $800 000 for water network distribution, repairs and upgrade. In an interview with The Herald last week, Chegutu Municipality finance director Mr Tongai Mandude said the local authority was targeting to install prepaid water meters in all residential areas and replace old water pipes in the central business district and some residential areas.
“Government allocated $1 million to upgrade our pumping station and to install prepaid water meters. On the municipality’s budget, we also set aside $800 000 for the replacement of old water pipes,” he said.
“We expect to install prepaid water meters in all our residential areas and we have targeted to replace old water pipes in the central business district, ZMDC and Rifflerange residential areas.” Mr Mandude reiterated that a number of pipes were in bad shape and needed to be replaced.
“We are dedicated to replacing water pipes in these areas because they are old pipes and most of them are leaking,” he said. “Their replacement will see better service delivery. The installation of prepaid water meters will also benefit the municipality by boosting its revenue base. The municipality will most likely see a reduction in debtors.” Government maintains that local authorities should install prepaid water meters. Chegutu Municipality has also set aside $90 000 to purchase a seven-tonne truck, which will be used to transport water chemicals.
Online Reporter