The City of Harare says it and its partners have so far installed more than 23,000 smart water meters across the capital, in a move aimed at improving water production and delivery.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, 24 March 2026, the council said the rollout is set to intensify following the arrival of additional meters. It said:
“We have so far received 60 000 smart water meters ready for installation with the aim of installing up to 320 000 meters by the end of the first phase of the installation period.
“Complementing the metering programme is a large-scale pipeline rehabilitation and replacement initiative.
“A significant portion of Harare’s water network still relies on ageing asbestos cement pipes that have reached the end of their lifespan.
“These pipes are being replaced with modern PVC pipes, which are safer, more durable, and better suited for long-term water distribution.”
The council says it plans to replace around 500 kilometres of ageing pipelines to improve the reliability of the water supply network.
The pipe replacement programme will run alongside the installation of smart meters, helping to reduce leakages and boost the overall efficiency of the water system. Reads the statement:
“Another key component of the partnership involves increasing the capacity of Morton Jaffray Water Treatment Plant, Harare’s main water treatment facility.
“Investments are being directed towards expanding the plant’s treatment capacity to 520 megalitres a day, enabling the city to better meet growing demand for water.
“This model has already shown great success in smaller towns such as Karoi, Guruve and Gokwe, where smart meters have improved water management and service delivery.”
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