Harare (New Ziana) – The Zimbabwe National Water Authority is instituting several measures to recover ZWL$156 billion, about US$27.3 million, it is owed by its water users.

Of the total owed, domestic clients account for ZW$ 22,7 billion (US$3,9 million), irrigators ZWL 39,7 billion ($6.9 million), local authorities ZWL 10,891,226,506.77, and government departments and Ministries ZWL69,006,559,400.87.

Other customer categories owing ZINWA include mines, churches and government parastatals.

ZINWA corporate communications and marketing manager, Marjorie Munyonga said measures being taken against debtors include engagement, legal action and discontinuation of supplies to defaulters.

“The Authority is also installing prepaid water meters to help curb the further growth of the debtors’ book with prepaid water meters having already been installed in Karoi, Mvurwi, Chivhu, Murehwa, Gokwe, Nyanga and Mutoko.

“The Authority advises all clients whose accounts are in arrears to settle their bills as there exists a very strong relationship between sustainable service delivery and payment for services. When clients are not paying for the services they get, ZINWA consequently becomes inadequately resourced to provide reliable service,” she said.

She said the ballooning debt is affecting the Authority’s ability to provide water.

Revenue generated from payment of water bills is used to pay for critical inputs such as water treatment chemicals, fuel, electricity and spares, said Munyonga.

“ZINWA also requires resources to carry out the capital intensive and statutory dam inspection and maintenance exercises so that dams are kept in a safe state. Funds are also needed for the expansion and rehabilitation of existing water reticulation systems. The Authority is also required to meet statutory obligations that include the payment of taxes, levies and creditors,” she said.

ZINWA is a wholly Government owned entity established in 2000 to manage the country’s water resources.

New Ziana