Online Reporter
Peter Tanyanyiwa
Herald Correspondent
RESIDENTS in Harare’s western suburbs have welcomed the ongoing rehabilitation of the city’s water infrastructure as the City of Harare, in partnership with Helcraw Water, accelerates a comprehensive modernisation programme aimed at improving water supply reliability, reducing losses and strengthening service delivery across the capital.
The programme combines the replacement of ageing asbestos and steel water pipes with PVC ones and the installation of smart prepaid water meters in both high- and low-density suburbs as part of efforts to modernise Harare’s water distribution network.
The ongoing works have seen more than 52 kilometres of potable water pipelines replaced across the city, while over 70 000 smart water meters have been installed, marking significant progress in the local authority’s drive to improve water distribution, enhance billing efficiency and reduce non-revenue water losses.
In Dzivarasekwa, where pipeline rehabilitation works are at an advanced stage, contractors are replacing ageing asbestos cement pipes with modern high-density PVC pipes designed to improve water pressure, minimise leakages and provide a more dependable supply of treated water to households.
Ward 40 Councillor Knowledge Bote described the rehabilitation programme as a critical investment in restoring reliable water supplies to communities that have endured years of erratic service due to ageing infrastructure.
“This is a long-term investment in the future of our community. The temporary inconvenience caused by construction work is necessary if we are to achieve a modern and dependable water system,” he said.
Cllr Bote commended residents for their cooperation throughout the project, saying the community’s support had enabled contractors to make steady progress without major delays.
Residents praised the City of Harare and Helcraw Water teams for the pace and quality of the works, saying the project had renewed hope of ending years of inconsistent water supplies.
Some said they had already begun noticing improved water pressure in sections where rehabilitation had been completed and expressed optimism that the upgraded network would significantly reduce pipe bursts, minimise supply interruptions and ensure a more reliable supply of potable water to Dzivarasekwa and neighbouring communities.
Helcraw Water managing director Mr Zodeck Muchoko recently said the smart metering programme was designed to give households real-time visibility of their water consumption while improving billing accuracy and helping the city curb non-revenue water.
“This project is about more than installing meters; it is about modernising Harare’s water infrastructure and building a more sustainable water system for future generations,” he said.
