Online Reporter
Talent Gore
HARARE City Council, in partnership with Helcraw Water, has installed more than 79 000 smart prepaid water meters, putting the city on course to meet its 100 000-unit target.
On the other hand, 62 kilometres of ageing water pipes have been replaced as part of the ongoing infrastructure modernisation programme.
Acting Town Clerk Advocate Warren Chiwawa said the developments are part of measures to improve water distribution, reduce losses and enhance service delivery.
He was speaking during the commissioning of five new water pumps at Morton Jaffray Water Treatment Works.
Advocate Chiwawa said the council had set a target of replacing 106km of old pipes, with 62km already completed.
“Our target this year is around 106 kilometres of pipe replacement. So far, we have completed 62 kilometres, replacing the old pipes with new PVC pipes to reduce leaks and improve water distribution,” he said.
He said the city is targeting 100 000 prepaid water meters by the end of the year.
“For the prepaid water installation, we have got a target of 100 000 units by the end of the year, and we have managed to install 79 000, so this means we are on track to meet our target,” he said.
“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. There is also the rehabilitation of Morton Jaffray, we are modernising the whole water value chain.”
He added that water remains a top priority for residents.
“Water, as you know, is a key issue among the residents. It is at the top of what the residents need,” he said.
“The whole cocktail of measures that are being put in place will ensure that we provide water to the residents more regularly and consistently.”
Meanwhile, rehabilitation works at Morton Jaffray Water Treatment Works are at an advanced stage, with six filters and one clarifier undergoing refurbishment to increase the city’s water production capacity.
The upgrades are expected to improve water treatment efficiency while reducing losses across the distribution network.
