Habane residents call for ZINWA to address water supply before installing prepaid water meters

Habane residents in Umzingwane Rural District Council (URDC) have called on the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) to first address erratic water supplies before installing water meters in the residential area. 

One of the residents, Margaret Moyo said water meters should be introduced once ZINWA improves water supply. 

“ZINWA is still adamant about the water meters despite our plea that they first ensure supply. We sometimes go for weeks without water with ZINWA not communicating on the way forward. I think it’s not fair for them to prioritise making money when there is no guarantee that we will have the water,” said Moyo.

“So far they have not installed the metres as they had said the project would begin in October. Since the start of this week, their workers have been working on installing a tank and we hope it will be our reservoir so that we do not have erratic water supplies in our homes.”  

Another resident Tariro Chimuka reiterated that residents are still rejecting ZINWA’s plan to install prepaid water meters. 

“All we need is uninterrupted supply of water to boost our confidence in ZINWA before we allow them to install prepaid meters. We are not refusing to pay for water but all we need is assurance that we will have the water which will indeed justify our payments,” said Chimuka. 

ZINWA spokesperson Marjorie Munyonga said the water regulatory body was aware of the concerns that residents have.

“We are working to ensure that we  address the challenges in Habane and our team is on the ground as we speak. This water meter concept that we hope to introduce after addressing their water challenges will bring with it, a great convenience to clients who will have control over their water consumption patterns,” she said. 

Umzingwane District Council Chief Executive Officer Ndumiso Maphosa said no meters had been installed yet but his office is looking forward to a time when residents will have access to water without any disruptions. 

“I am yet to get an update on what ZINWA  finally resolved about Habane residents do have concerns that need to be addressed before we discuss water meters. I am hoping for an update by next week because as of now we have not heard anything from ZINWA,” he said.