Sidumisile Mabena
Raymond Jaravaza, Zimpapers Reporter
GOVERNMENT has committed to replacing 6 400 kilometres of ageing water pipelines across the country in a move aimed at addressing leakages and losses of water before it gets to residents’ taps.
This was said by Minister of Local Government and Public Works Daniel Garwe during a 2026–2030 Strategic Plans Validation Workshop at a local hotel on Tuesday.
“Non-revenue water remains one of the most significant threats to the viability of local authorities. The Ministry is therefore driving a transition towards transformative smart water metering to improve accountability, monitor losses, enhance revenue collection and increase operational efficiency,” said Minister Garwe.
“Smart meters are no longer a future aspiration; they are an operational necessity. The Ministry is envisaging an ambitious programme to replace more than 6 400 kilometres of ageing water pipelines to address leakages and losses at source.”
He said infrastructure upgrades to increase water production capacity are also being prioritised, as existing installations can no longer meet growing urban demand.
“None of these reforms will succeed without competent, motivated and ethical human capital. Local authorities must recruit adequate, qualified and competent personnel, but recruitment alone is insufficient.
“Staff must be retained, continuously upskilled and properly motivated. If councils are to deliver value to ratepayers, they must become employers of choice, grounded in professionalism, meritocracy and accountability,” he added.
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