Chronicle Editor
Midlands Bureau Chief
THE Zimbabwe National Water Authority (Zinwa) has embarked on a massive water disconnection exercise to recover $2,4 billion it is owed by consumers.
The exercise targets Government departments, local authorities and other consumers whose accounts are in arrears.
In a statement yesterday, Zinwa corporate communications and marketing manager, Mrs Marjorie Munyonga, said Government departments and other affected institutions have since been advised to clear their arrears or face disconnection.
“Of the total debt, Government departments owe more than $1 billion, local authorities more than $500 million, irrigators nearly $400 million while domestic clients account for more than $ 200 million. The other clients such as parastatals, mines, industry, schools and churches account for the remainder of the amount,” she said.
Mrs Munyonga said the non-payment of water bills by clients has adversely affected the authority’s operations.
“Revenue generated from the water sales is used for the procurement of critical resources needed in the delivery of service. These resources include water treatment chemicals, fuel, electricity and plant spares,” she said.
As a result of non-payment of water bills, Mrs Munyonga said, the authority has not been able to timely service statutory obligations which include taxes, levies, payment of creditors and staff salaries.
“The authority is therefore, advising all clients in arrears to ensure that their accounts are paid up or to present acceptable payment plans at their relevant service centre offices. Zinwa reiterates that service delivery can only be sustained when users of the service pay for the services they receive. In the absence of payments from the users, it becomes extremely difficult for Zinwa to continue providing services,” said Mrs Munyonga.
Online Reporter