Online Reporter
Diana Nherera
Herald Reporter
THE City of Harare, in partnership with Helcraw Water Pvt Limited, has started installing prepaid water meters in Marlborough.
In a statement, Ward 41 Harare West Councillor Kudzai Kadzombe said the meters have been installed in parts of Westgate Area D, Bluffhill, Avonlea, parts of Marlborough and Emerald Hill.
“Some residents have had no challenges with the installations, but the major issues residents have been complaining about are the lack of proper workmanship, where some of the prepaid water meters were not installed correctly, and when water is restored, the meters were leaking,” he said.
“Some were saying that after making a report, the technical team from Helcraw were taking more than 24 hours to rectify the problem.
“Another resident said all the water they purchased was lost through the faulty connection. Residents said the purchasing of tokens is quite cumbersome since one has to go to Rowan Martin (in the CBD); the system is very slow in Rowan Martin, and on Saturdays, they close at 1 pm. I’ve reached out to Helcraw about that, and they said they are finalising the system.”
Cllr Kadzombe said some residents wanted those installing the meters to be issued with identification cards.
“There was no prior information that was circulated to our community before they came, but I had been speaking to the engineers since last year that they should inform me two weeks in advance so that I can notify the community, as they are security-conscious,” she said.
“Unfortunately, this is something they did not prioritise, and most of their technicians were then denied entry into residents’ properties.”
“Some residents are upset by the move taken by council and Helcraw to install prepaid water meters as they are saying that water is a basic human right and they have been suffering all along without water but instead of council focusing on ensuring that the infrastructure to make water available at their homes a priority, they want to sell prepaid water so that even those that cannot afford will not be able to use water because it then becomes a luxury.
“They gave examples of some residents who have put taps outside their properties to assist residents without water, but they say the policymakers have seen it fit to punish residents.”
She said some residents, however, are happy that prepaid water meters are now there because estimates are now a thing of the past.
Cllr Kadzombe said the council is organising a meeting with Helcraw, residents and engineers.
