Online Reporter
Remember Deketeke
Municipal Correspondent
HARARE has installed at least 66 000 smart prepaid water meters and replaced 44 kilometres of ageing potable water pipelines under an ambitious water infrastructure modernisation programme aimed at improving service delivery and reducing water losses.
The programme, being implemented by the Harare City Council in partnership with Helcraw Water, has already covered high-density suburbs including Budiriro, Warren Park and Cold Comfort, as well as low-density areas such as Mabelreign, Bluffhill, Marlborough and Milton Park.
The city is now conducting a mop-up exercise in more than 15 suburbs to complete the rollout and ensure all targeted households are connected to the new system.
Helcraw Water managing director Mr Zodeck Muchoko said the smart metering programme was changing the way residents monitored and managed their water use.
“Smart prepaid water meters are transforming the way residents manage their water consumption. By giving households real-time visibility of their usage, we are empowering them to make informed decisions while promoting responsible water use across the city,” he said.
Mr Muchoko said the initiative formed part of a broader effort to modernise Harare’s water infrastructure and improve the efficiency of the entire water supply system.
“This project is about more than installing meters; it is about modernising Harare’s water infrastructure. The combination of smart metering and pipe replacement is helping to reduce water losses, improve service delivery and build a more sustainable water system for future generations. Adding the rehabilitation of Morton Jaffray, we are modernising the whole water value chain.”
He said replacing old pipelines alongside the installation of smart meters was helping to curb water losses and strengthen the reliability of water supply across the city.
Mr Muchoko said the programme’s free installation policy ensured that all residents had access to modern water management technology regardless of where they lived.
“The free installation policy demonstrates our commitment to ensuring that every resident, regardless of where they live, has equal access to modern water management technology. No one should be left behind in the drive towards efficient and reliable water services.”
He said one of the major benefits of smart metering was improved billing accuracy, which ensures that residents pay only for the water they consume.
“Accurate billing is one of the greatest benefits of smart metering. Residents only pay for the water they consume, eliminating estimates and creating a fairer, more transparent billing system.”
Mr Muchoko added that the technology was also strengthening water conservation efforts by enabling early leak detection and reducing non-revenue water losses.
“Every smart meter installed strengthens the city’s ability to conserve water, detect leaks early and reduce non-revenue water. These are critical steps towards securing Harare’s water future.”
Mr Muchoko said the response from communities had been encouraging, with many residents appreciating the increased transparency and accountability that comes with the new technology.
“The response from many communities has shown that residents value solutions that provide greater control, transparency and accountability in the delivery of essential services,” he added.
“By investing in smart technology today, we are creating a water network that is more efficient, data-driven and capable of meeting the needs of a growing city.
“The success of this rollout is proof that infrastructure development and service improvement can go hand in hand, delivering tangible benefits directly to residents.”
