Harare,  – The City of Harare, in partnership with Helcraw Water Pvt Ltd and Laison Technologies, has launched the first phase of its prepaid water meter installation program at residential flats just outside the Central Business District of the capital.

The project will initially benefit 22 households at Birdcage Walk, with a further 28 prepaid meters being installed at another apartment,  Calder Gardens.

Speaking at the installation site, Helcraw Water Pvt Ltd chief executive officer Brandon Jere said the prepaid system is designed to promote responsible water usage, minimize losses, and ensure that residents only pay for the water they consume.

Laison Technologies vice president Clark Dai said his organization is providing technical expertise to support the rollout.

Birdcage Walk Flats property owner Elias Kaseke welcomed the initiative, noting that the previous billing system had created tensions between paying and non-paying residents. He expressed optimism that prepaid meters would bring fairness and ensure a consistent water supply.

Also present were representatives from the Combined Harare Residents Association (CHRA) and the Zimbabwe National Organisation of Associations and Residents Trust (ZNOART), including its national chairman Shalvar Chikomba, who commended the initiative and encouraged residents to embrace the new system.

The City of Harare continues to urge residents to pay for municipal services to sustain infrastructure improvements and guarantee continued access to clean, safe water.

New Ziana