Residents’ Group Backs Prepaid Water Meters

The Zimbabwe National Organisation of Associations and Residents Trust (ZNOART) has thrown its weight behind the rollout of prepaid water meters in Harare, describing the initiative as a “necessary and progressive reform” despite a pending court application seeking to suspend the programme.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, 16 June, ZNOART national chairman Shepherd Shalvar Chikomba said the organisation respected the constitutional right of citizens to seek legal interpretation on public service matters, and acknowledged the judiciary’s role in settling any disputes over implementation.

“However, ZNOART remains firmly supportive of the prepaid water meter initiative as a means of improving water service delivery, enhancing accountability, and promoting the sustainable management of water resources,” Chikomba said.

For decades, residents have faced erratic supplies, ageing infrastructure, burst pipes, sewer overflows and chronic water losses, he noted. The existing billing and revenue collection model, he added, had failed to deliver the quality of service residents expect.

Prepaid systems, ZNOART argues, could boost revenue collection, eliminate estimated bills, reduce disputes, curb water losses, encourage responsible consumption and unlock funds for rehabilitation and expansion of treatment and distribution networks.

“Residents deserve a modern, efficient and sustainable water management system capable of meeting the growing demands of urban populations,” the statement read. “The future of public service delivery lies in innovation, technology, accountability and financial sustainability.”

While legal concerns could be addressed through the courts or policy adjustments, ZNOART insisted they should not derail efforts to improve services.

“Water is a fundamental human right. But that right can only be fully realised when local authorities have the financial and technical capacity to treat, distribute, maintain and expand infrastructure. Sustainable financing mechanisms are therefore essential,” Chikomba said.

He urged residents to embrace “progressive and developmental solutions” and to remain vigilant against actions that could hinder the modernisation of critical infrastructure.

ZNOART also called on the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works to support the rollout in urban centres, saying public-private partnerships offered a “practical and sustainable model” for improving service delivery.

The organisation said prepaid meters would ensure residents paid only for water they actually used, while improved cost recovery could fund upgrades to ageing systems. Reports, it added, had shown that significant volumes of treated water were being lost through leakages and inefficiencies.

“ZNOART will continue to support initiatives that improve service delivery, strengthen infrastructure, and enhance the quality of life of all citizens,” Chikomba said.

He appealed to all stakeholders, including residents, local authorities, government, civil society and development partners, to work together to ensure reforms delivered clean, safe, reliable and sustainable water for all Zimbabweans.

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