Liberty Chitakatira
The City of Harare in collaboration with a top Harare company Helcraw Water has begun rolling out the smart water meters project.
A meeting between the City and Helcraw officials was held on Friday 11 July where they discussed the modalities to supply, install and commission the smart water meters.
They also discussed the digital management system (Digital Billing), rehabilitation of the Morton Jaffray water treatment plant and rehabilitation if water supply infrastructure for the City of Harare.
The rehabilitation of the Morton Jaffray will see an increase in the production and pumping capacity from 350 megalitres to 520 megalitres a day while pushing to make sure the plant will run at full capacity.
Water distribution network is another critical issue that was discussed where implemention of pipe replacement in the City to improve distribution.
As most residents in Harare were complaining about their bills being estimated, the project will address the issue by installing smart water prepaid meters and residents will be able to pay exactly what they would have consumed.
The City of Harare and Helcraw Water will soon officially launch the project and residents must be prepared for the changes which will improve distribution of water in Greater Harare.
The City of Harare Mayor Cllr Jacob Mafume said residents need to understand that everything is now prepaid in many areas like power supply and emphasised that water prepaid meters will be cheaper than normal.
Helcraw boss Farai Jere said equipment to make sure the project was a success had been secured.
“Some vehicles for the project are already available adding that everything was in place to kick start the project which will revolutionarise water production and delivery in the country.
Jere said the project is progressing quite well adding that areas which were not receiving water will start accessing the precious liquid.
“Lets have positive minds and build our country, what is very important is to move foward and support President E.D Mnagagwa’s vision. Everyone must have access to potable water and proper sewer systems”, said Jere.