Online Reporter
Solomon Bhumu
Post Reporter
CITY of Mutare is poised to establish a wholly council-owned water utility company in a bid to improve and enhance the efficiency of water supply, as well as address the city’s long-standing water infrastructure challenges.
The initiative, first conceived in 2019, was formally discussed at a stakeholders’ consultation meeting held at Mutare Hall last Wednesday.
The establishment of a wholly council-owned water utility company is expected to yield numerous benefits for residents, ratepayers, the city’s asset-base, and revenue collection efficiency.
Residents will enjoy improved water supply services, enhanced reliability, and better maintenance of infrastructure, while ratepayers will benefit from competitive tariffs and transparent billing systems.
The city’s asset-base will be optimised through efficient management and maintenance of water infrastructure, and revenue collection efficiency will be enhanced through streamlined billing and collection processes, reducing losses and increasing the city’s financial sustainability.
Overall, the initiative promises to transform the city’s water services, driving economic growth and improving the quality of life for its residents.
Speaking at the meeting, acting Finance Director, Mr Ronald Guni said the proposed water utility company would operate under the full ownership of Mutare City Council.
The primary motivation, he said, is to enhance service delivery, particularly in light of growing demand and infrastructure shortcomings.
“With a growing population and increasing demand for water services, the city’s current annual revenue collection of approximately US$24 million is insufficient to meet the estimated US$180 million required to revamp the water infrastructure. The primary objective of establishing a water company for the city is to improve efficiency in water supply,” said Mr Guni.
Mr Guni said the city faces significant challenges, including frequent pipe bursts, outdated infrastructure, and inadequate funding – which have substantially hindered their ability to meet the residents’ water needs.
He said Government has laid the groundwork for such initiatives, adding that the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works had approved the formation of municipal water utility companies in 2012, and that the commercialisation of water services was slated to begin in 2024.
One of the key infrastructure challenges facing the city is the delayed completion of the Osborne Water Treatment Plant.
The plant is crucial for ensuring long-term water security in the city, and the delay in its completion continues to hinder efforts to meet the water demands of Mutare’s growing urban population.
The announcement has received a positive response from local civil society organisations, who welcomed the initiative to address the city’s water challenges.
United Mutare Residents and Ratepayers Trust (UMRRT) programmes director, Mr Edison Dube welcomed the move, emphasising the importance of local ownership of the process.
“It seems to be a trend in the country, similar to what is happening in Harare, where public services are being privatised. However, in this case, it is a positive development because we know the company belongs to us residents. The decision-makers will be locals, and we can hold them accountable. We will benefit from our rates and taxes paid to the city council directly, unlike if a private company was to be given a tender to run water services,” said Mr Dube.
Mr Dube said the consultations were ongoing in various wards across the city, but emphasised that the assurance of full council ownership provides much-needed reassurance to residents.
The proposed water utility company is expected to facilitate improved financial and operational management of Mutare’s water services, enabling the city to address current inefficiencies and future demands more effectively.
As consultations continue, the focus remains on ensuring transparency, accountability, and sustainable service delivery for the benefit of all residents.
