Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
THE City of Harare has installed over 23 000 smart water meters as part of efforts to improve water management, reduce losses and enhance service delivery.
In a statement, council said the rollout was gaining traction with residents embracing the technology, which allows households to monitor consumption while improving efficiency across the city’s water distribution system.
“The City of Harare and its partners have so far installed over 23 000 smart water meters in Harare as residents embrace the new phenomenon, which will go a long way in improving water production and delivery in the city,” read the statement.
The council said the programme will gather pace following the delivery of additional units.
“We have so far received 60 000 smart water meters ready for installation and plan to install up to 320 000 meters by the end of the first phase of the installation period.”
Council said the smart metering initiative is being implemented alongside a large-scale rehabilitation of ageing water infrastructure, particularly old asbestos cement pipes that are prone to leaks and bursts.
“A significant portion of Harare’s water network still relies on ageing asbestos cement pipes that have reached the end of their lifespan,” reads the statement.
“These pipes are being replaced with modern PVC pipes, which are safer, more durable and better suited for long-term water distribution.”
The local authority plans to replace about 500 kilometres of pipelines to improve the reliability of the water supply system.
“The replacement of pipes work in tandem with the installation of smart meters, ensuring that leakages are reduced while the efficiency of the entire water system improves,” read the statement.
The programme also includes plans to upgrade the Morton Jaffray Water Treatment Plant to increase capacity to 520 megalitres per day in line with growing demand.
“Investments are being directed towards expanding the plant’s treatment capacity to 520 megalitres a day, enabling the city to meet growing demand for water better,” read the statement.
Council said similar interventions have recorded success in towns such as Karoi, Guruve and Gokwe, where smart meters have improved accountability and service delivery.
“By encouraging responsible water use and improving accountability, smart prepaid meters are helping communities make the most of a scarce and valuable resource,” read the statement.
Peter Tanyanyiwa