Harare Resident Takes Prepaid Water Meter Rollout to High Court

HARARE — A Harare resident has approached the High Court seeking an urgent order to halt the rollout of prepaid water meters in the capital, arguing that the system is unlawful, violates existing water legislation, and threatens residents' access to water. Bernadette Makaya, a ratepayer from Mabelreign, filed the application through lawyer Tinashe Chinopfukutwa of the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR).

The respondents cited in the application are the City of Harare, Helcraw Water, and the Minister of Local Government and Public Works. The legal challenge comes amid the city's ongoing programme to install prepaid water meters in residential areas, a move authorities have previously argued will improve revenue collection and water management.

In her founding affidavit, Makaya states that the City of Harare and Helcraw Water began installing prepaid water meters in 2025 and that the programme reached her Sunridge home in Mabelreign earlier this year. She told the court that the prepaid meter has fundamentally changed how water is accessed at her property.

“Since the installation of the prepaid water meter, I discovered that if I do not purchase credit for water, my taps run dry and the water stops running at my house,” Makaya states in her affidavit.

She further argues that the prepaid system effectively disconnects residents from water supplies without following procedures prescribed by law.

Makaya also raises concerns about the placement and operation of the meter installed at her property. According to court documents, the prepaid meter is housed in a locked black box outside the residence, making it difficult for users to independently verify readings. Instead, residents rely on an indoor display monitor that shows only the remaining credit balance. She argues that the arrangement limits transparency and leaves consumers unable to confirm the accuracy of meter readings.

Central to Makaya's case is the argument that the prepaid metering system is not provided for under existing legislation governing water supply in Harare. According to the application, water provision in the capital is regulated by the Harare Water By-Laws of 1913 and the Urban Councils Act. Makaya contends that both legal frameworks were designed around a post-paid billing system under which consumers receive water first and are billed later based on estimated or actual consumption.

“The provision and distribution of water in the City of Harare is governed by the Harare Water By-Laws of 1913 and the provisions of the Urban Councils Act and these only provide for a post-paid water distribution system in Harare and not for a pre-paid water system,” she argues.

The applicant further submits that neither the City of Harare nor Helcraw Water has identified any legal instrument authorising the introduction of prepaid water metering. She argues that the authorities breached their obligation to act lawfully as administrative bodies under the Administrative Justice Act. Makaya also contends that the city failed to adequately consult residents before implementing what she describes as a significant change to water supply and billing arrangements.

The application seeks an interim order suspending the installation and implementation of prepaid water meters across Harare pending a final determination by the High Court. The matter has not yet been heard, and the respondents had not publicly filed their responses at the time of publication. The case is expected to be closely watched by residents, local authorities, and policymakers, as its outcome could have significant implications for the future of water service delivery and billing systems in Harare.

Harare prepaid water meters court challenge