COUNCIL is on a drive to ensure that all properties with faulty water meters make an
effort to replace or risk having their water supply cut off.

Masvingo Municipality has been billing affected areas with about 2 000 houses using
estimates, but only 250 new meters have been installed by residents since the first
quarter of 2023.

According to minutes of a recent council session the Public Works and Planning
Committee asked the Finance Director, Danister Jori, to encourage residents with
faulty or malfunctioning meters to replace them as the local authority moves to
address non-revenue water challenges.

“It was recorded that the non-revenue water for October 2023 was 34,9 percent,
translating to $1 589 165 072. On stuck water meters, the committee raised concern
that most property owners were not interested in replacing their meters, hence
council was losing revenue,” reads part of the minutes.

“Jori was reminded to encourage property owners with faulty water meters to replace
them or having their water supply terminated.”

The Finance and General Purposes Committee under the Debtors and Debt
Collection, reported that up to $19 758 408 149.33 was owed with Government and
high-density residents debtors consisting of 23 percent each.

“It was reported that a total of $7 054 831 911.14 for the month of September was
collected, translating to collection efficiency of 80.79 percent. The committee
highlighted the need to strengthen debt collection.

“Jori is expected to submit a report to the next meeting on the way forward regarding
replacement of non-functional water meters, with a view of reducing losses arising
from non-revenue water.”