adminFaith Phiri
Sunday News Reporter
ZVISHAVANE Town Council will soon install prepaid water meters in a bid to improve revenue collection and curb defaulting of payments by residents and businesses.
Zvishavane Town Secretary Mr Tinoda Mutuku said the local authority would roll out a pilot project before full implementation later.
“The installation of prepaid water meters will start as a pilot project in the Central Business District (CBD) as it is more appreciated,” he said.
“Prepaid water meters will enable us to deal with defaulting residents who evade paying their bills and at the same time boost revenue collection and move with current technology.”
He said after the CBD, the programme will move to the industrial site, institutions like Midlands State University before residential areas. He said the council will carry out an outreach programme especially in high density suburbs.
“Shabanie Mine is facing a dire situation as it is not operational.
“The closure of the mine saw almost 5 000 employees losing their jobs and having challenge to pay rates. Some of the rates were paid for by companies but now the tenants have to pay directly to council,” said Mr Mutuku.
He encouraged residents to conserve water and co-operate with council on the prepaid water meter project.
Zvishavane will join other cities like Harare, Bulawayo and Mutare that have already tested the system with plans to implement it on a wide scale.
Online Reporter