adminHerald Reporter
Harare City Council is going ahead with the prepaid water meter pilot project to install 2 000 meters despite resistance from residents associations. The associations accuse council of imposing the meter management system on residents.
But the city is arguing that pressure groups were not giving a true reflection of the sentiments of residents on the matter. It claims some residents wanted the prepaid smart meters installed on their properties.
Council last Wednesday held a stakeholders’ meeting to get views from residents associations. Combined Harare Residents Association chairperson Mr Simbarashe Moyo, said the new system was being imposed on residents.
“We are not happy because you are imposing the pre-paid meters on us and considering the economic challenges the country is facing, I do not think we are in a position to have such a programme,” he said.
Goromonzi Residents Trust representative Mr Masimba Manyanya, said the city had to consider the vulnerable areas such as Mbare, which still used traditional meters and the issue of illegal water consumption.
Harare water distribution and customer services manager, Engineer Hosiah Chisango said: We will draw some lessons from countries that have already started using such systems like South Africa moving forward.
Industry will be excluded from the project as there is no technology for big consumers.
“Big consumers like Delta are not yet on the pilot project as the new technology can only cater for small consumers although they are the ones that use a lot of water,’’ said Eng Chisango.
Authorities said the system helps curb treated water theft and will boost revenue inflows by ensuring consumers pay for water upfront.
Peter Tanyanyiwa
Online Reporter