Zinwa disconnects Hwange residents over $105 million debt

Fairness Moyana in Hwange 

ABOUT 700 residents are likely to be affected by the move by the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (Zinwa) to disconnect water supplies to Empumalanga Phase 4 suburb in Hwange Town over non-payment of a debt owed by the Hwange Local Board (HLB).

The development comes as the two authorities have been locked in a protracted wrangle over the management of water with HLB arguing that its failure to manage the water infrastructure was affecting efficient delivery. 

It is not the first time that residents have been disconnected. Early last year Zinwa pulled the plug, shutting down the bulk meter supplying the local authority’s Empumalanga Phase 4 over a then $38 million debt. 

The council would later respond by billing Zinwa for using its infrastructure to distribute water to residents. The council argues that the Zinwa bill was miscalculated saying it owed the water authority only $9.4 million with $6.1 million having been paid. 

The war intensified following Zinwa’s introduction of pre-paid water meters, which were initially rejected by residents who accused the authority of imposing the model on them. 

HLB acting town secretary, Mr Paulos Mabhureni, confirmed the development saying discussions were underway to reconnect water supplies.

“We can confirm that Zinwa cut water supplies to Empumalanaga Phase 4 due to an outstanding debt we owe them. 

“We are, however, in discussion with them to reconnect water supplies while we continue to make some payments whenever cashflows permit, as we seek to offset the debt,” said Mr Mabhureni.

He said in light of this development, the local authority had since resolved to hand over management of water in Phase 4 to Zinwa, arguing that while they had the capacity, the water regulator was making it practically impossible to run it.

“We realised that it is charging households elsewhere in our area of jurisdiction. If we were to transfer the charge to residents of Phase 4, it would mean it would cost twice what it costs to get water in other areas,” said Mr Mabhureni. 

“Thus, we have realised that all along we have been subsiding Phase 4 residents for their water consumption and this is becoming unsustainable and we can’t continue with it.” Zinwa head of corporate communications and marketing, Mrs Marjorie Munyonga said HLB owed the water authority $105 million, a bill which had been outstanding for years, and the move was meant to curtail its unsustainable growth. 

“Hwange Local Board has been disconnected on account of an outstanding water bill of $105 million. The local authority gets water from Zinwa, which it then supplies to Empumalanga Phase 4,” she said. 

“The bill has been outstanding for some time now and to prevent it from further growing, Zinwa stopped supplies to the local authority.”

She dispelled assertions that its billing was miscalculated arguing that besides having a functional bulk water meter, both parties had an arrangement to jointly read the meter on a daily basis to allay the fears of the local board. 

Mrs Munyonga said while Zinwa appreciated that the country was battling the spread of cholera there was also “a compelling need for recipients of services to pay to allow for service continuity and sustainability and HLB should make efforts to play its part so that services can be restored”. 

Meanwhile, Greater Whange Residents Trust (GWRT) coordinator, Mr Fidelis Chima denounced the dispute arguing that it was unfair for Zinwa to punish residents. Over 700 households are likely to be affected by the disconnection. 

“The disconnection of the bulk water meter to Phase 4 residents by Zinwa is very unfortunate and uncalled for. Zinwa should not punish residents because HLB owes it,” he said. 

“If anything, Zinwa should sue the council to recover its money not punish residents. Sadly, about 700 families will be affected by the disconnection of water,” said Chima.

“Cholera cases in Hwange are likely to increase because of the disconnection. Remember Hwange Colliery Company is failing to constantly supply water to the residents of Hwange who use communal toilets. 

“Access to proper sanitation, which includes water is very critical when dealing with outbreaks such as this, we need to address the water issue.”

Mr Chima said residents had since petitioned Parliament over the management of water and recommended the handing over of water management to the council. 

“As a resident association we petitioned Parliament that water management should be administered by Hwange Local Board with Zinwa playing the oversight role,” he said.

“Parliament made recommendations that indeed Zinwa should hand over water management to HLB. We will continue engaging the Government to ensure that in line with devolution and NDS1, Zinwa hands over water management.”