Online Reporter
Municipal Reporter
THE City of Mutare is set to initiate high-level water rationing for certain defaulting ratepayers, with the local authority on the verge of rolling out prepaid water meters for sustainable operations, production and maintenance of the precious resource’s supply infrastructure.
The local authority’s capacity for efficient water production and supply services has over the years been compromised by non-payment of bills by its clients, with the various substantial amounts being owed running into millions of dollars.
Mutasa Rural District Council is among the largest debtors.
In a statement yesterday, Mutare Town Clerk Mr Blessing Chafesuka said they are gearing to enforce payment for water consumption from all consumers.
“The City of Mutare has initiated a high-level water rationing programme for certain clients, including Mutasa Rural District Council, as a direct result of substantial outstanding payments for water services. This measure is crucial for the sustainable operation of Mutare’s water production and supply infrastructure. When consumers fail to meet these payment obligations, the City of Mutare’s capacity to maintain water services is severely hampered.
“The council is rigorously enforcing payment for water consumption from all consumers, including those located outside the city’s boundaries. Mutasa Rural District Council is the City of Mutare’s largest debtor, with an outstanding balance nearing US1 million. This significant debt has severely impacted the council’s ability to produce bulk water from ZINWA, purchase essential water treatment chemicals and pay for electricity to ZESA,” said Mr Chafesuka.
Mr Chafesuka said the local authority will soon roll out prepaid meters.
“The City of Mutare is in the final stages of installing the first batch of prepaid water meters, which will be rolled out to clients in a phased approach. This initiative means consumers will only have access to water equivalent to the credit they have purchased,” he said.
He added they are taking these measures to uphold transparency and ensure effective service delivery, especially the long-tern sustainability of water supply.
Mr Chafesuka clarified that the City of Mutare provides water to Mutasa Rural District Council as its primary client and not directly to customers.
This follows complaints that the local authority has been subsidising water services to Mutasa Rural District Council.
