adminMash West Correspondent
Kariba Municipality has begun rolling out prepaid water meters as it angles to improve revenue collection and cut back on the growing list of defaulting residents.
At least 500 meters have already been installed under a pilot phase.
Kariba Municipality’s housing and social services director Mr Godfrey Magijani said the initiative would help improve service delivery in the town.
“We have started installation of prepaid water meters in Kariba and to date we have installed 500 meters,” he said.
“We hope to roll back the accrual of arrears. Council will be able to channel part of the payment towards clearing legacy debts.”
The project is being implemented by a South Africa firm.
Mr Magijani hailed the municipality’s 19-year-old partnership with GIZ Zimbabwe, which has helped to address water and sanitation issues in the resort town.
“The partnership we entered into with GIZ has impacted positively on the growth of this town, especially when we look at issues of water,” he said.
“The partners came to our rescue as a town in 2009 when there was a cholera outbreak. They assisted us repair and refurbish our water pumps to make sure there is efficient provision of safe water.
“They also helped refurbish our water reservoirs, provided spare parts and installation of new pipes which helped immensely in controlling non-revenue water which results from pipe bursts.”
GIZ has also assisted the municipality in the provision of health services, dislodging of sewer ponds and construction of communal toilets.
“Currently, we are being assisted to construct communal toilets in the Mahombekombe area through community involvement,” said Mr Magijani. “So far, four toilets have been constructed and we expect four more toilets this year.”
Online Reporter