Confusion Over Water Charges Despite Prepaid Meters in Sunningdale

HARARE — Residents of Sunningdale are calling on the City of Harare to clarify why they continue to receive water consumption charges on their monthly bills despite recently being moved onto a prepaid water meter system. The concern was raised by a resident who said prepaid water meters were installed in the suburb approximately three months ago as part of efforts to modernise water billing and improve revenue collection.

According to residents, households were issued new prepaid water meters and token vending devices, requiring them to purchase water credits in advance before accessing water supplies. Since the rollout of the system, residents say they have been regularly purchasing water tokens and using the prepaid service as required.

However, many were surprised to discover that monthly municipal bills continue to include charges for water consumption, raising fears that they may effectively be paying twice for the same service.

"We were issued with prepaid water meters and have been buying water tokens whenever we need water. What is confusing us is that the City of Harare is still charging us for water usage on our monthly bills," said one resident.

The resident said several households in the area are facing the same challenge and are seeking a clear explanation from the local authority.

"I visited the relevant offices to seek clarification, but I was not given a satisfactory explanation as to why these charges are still appearing on our statements," the resident said.

The issue has sparked concern among residents who say the purpose of prepaid water meters is to ensure consumers pay in advance for what they use, making additional consumption charges difficult to understand.

Community members are now appealing to the City of Harare to explain whether the charges relate to historical arrears, fixed service fees, administrative costs, or a technical issue associated with the transition to prepaid metering. Residents say greater transparency is needed to help consumers understand their obligations and avoid unnecessary disputes over billing. They are also calling on the local authority to engage affected households and provide detailed information regarding how prepaid water accounts are being administered.

The City of Harare had not responded to the concerns at the time of publication.

Sunningdale prepaid water meters