Vusumuzi Dube
In a bid to curb further growth of its debtors’ book and to ensure continued service, the Zimbabwe National Water Authority has instituted several measures including disconnection of water to recover over ZWG$382 million it is owed by various customers.
As of June 30 this year, various consumer categories owed ZINWA a total of ZiG $382.5 million in unpaid water bills, some of which are outstanding for periods in excess of four months.
In a statement, ZINWA head of communications and marketing Marjorie Munyonga said the authority has decided to disconnect unpaid customers.
“In recent weeks, the Authority has had challenges in servicing its own bills, procure critical inputs such as electricity, fuel, water treatment chemicals and spares required for uninterrupted service delivery due to depressed revenue inflows. The Authority has also had difficulties paying its suppliers and meeting statutory obligations such as taxes, levies and related remittances.
“ZINWA has instituted a range of measures to recover the outstanding amounts through engaging defaulting clients, rolling out a massive disconnection exercise, implementing a door-to-door revenue collection blitz at selected stations, widening its payments platforms and taking legal action against some clients,” she said.
Munyonga said ZINWA is also encouraging farmers who have grown winter wheat this current season to enter into stop-order arrangements so that they can benefit from seasonal billing.
“Farmers on these stop order arrangements are also exempted from any interest charges until after they receive payments for their crop,” she said.
“ZINWA reiterates that there is a correlation between paying for water and service delivery. When users and recipients of services do not pay, it becomes extremely difficult for utilities to provide reliable and sustainable services.”
New Ziana
Bongani Ndlovu