Harare, (New Ziana) – The City of Harare and its partner Helcraw Water have set a target to install 100 000 smart water meters this year, with 40 000 having already been fitted so far.
In a statement, the local authority said they have also launched an extensive rehabilitation program at the Morton Jaffray Water Works aimed at boosting water production and improving supply to residents.
“The Morton Jaffray plant is producing, on average, slightly over 300 megalitres a day, and with the coming in of Helcraw, production is expected to rise to around 520 megalitres a day upon completion of the works currently underway,” it said.
Over 35 percent of treated water in Harare is lost due to burst pipes and aged infrastructure, which it is now replacing through the partnership with Helcraw.
“The rehabilitation of Morton Jaffray Water Works, the replacement of old pipes, and the installation of smart water meters will certainly go a long way in alleviating water challenges faced in some parts of Harare,” it said.
Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume is on record stating that the prepaid water meters being installed will benefit ratepayers, as they will no longer be billed based on estimates.
The move will also enable the local authority to receive payments in advance and invest more effectively in water delivery to residents and other ratepayers.
New Ziana
