Harare Smart Water Meters Rollout Sparks Debate Over Cost, Quality, and Access

HARARE – The City of Harare has installed approximately 30,000 smart water meters across several suburbs, triggering renewed debate over the balance between water availability, quality, and affordability. The rollout, part of the Harare Water Project in partnership with Helcraw Electrical, aims to replace ageing infrastructure with more than 320,000 smart prepaid meters across the capital.

City officials say the smart meters are designed to ensure residents pay only for what they consume, eliminating disputes linked to estimated billing. Acting town clerk Phakamile Mabhena Moyo said the system would improve water management and help households budget more effectively.

“Installation of smart pre-paid water meters is ongoing across the city,” Mabhena said, urging residents to cooperate with installation teams.

Authorities also encouraged households to replace old galvanised pipes with PVC piping to reduce leaks and improve efficiency.

Some residents have welcomed the initiative, particularly in suburbs such as Aspindale Park, Belvedere, Westlea, Mabelreign, and Warren Park.

“We have endured challenges with estimated water charges since taking up residence here,” said Mrs Kadenge. “This installation addresses those concerns directly.”

Another resident, Mr Simbarshe, said the system could help improve infrastructure accountability.

“We endorse these smart meters unequivocally,” he said.

However, concerns are mounting in areas such as Southerton, where residents report inconsistencies between what they are told and what they experience after installation.

Some residents allege they were informed the meters would come preloaded with 1,000 litres of water, only to find no supply upon installation.

“We were told there would be water included, but after installation there was nothing. We were told to go and pay at council offices,” said Andrew Makahamadze.

He added that the issue goes beyond billing.

“The cost of the water and the quality of water is not balancing,” he said. “Dai vanzwirawo vagari urombo.” (Authorities should also listen to residents’ struggles.)

Other residents argue that pre-paid water systems risk undermining access to water, which is recognised as a basic right under Zimbabwe’s Constitution and international frameworks.

Critics say the rollout is being implemented without first resolving long-standing issues such as inconsistent supply and poor water quality. Urban policy expert Dr. Gibson Ncube said sequencing is critical.

“Metering is important for efficiency, but it must go hand-in-hand with reliable supply and safe water quality. Otherwise, residents feel they are paying more for less,” he said.

The government has indicated that the smart meter programme could eventually be expanded nationwide, starting with Harare. However, the mixed response in the capital reflects broader concerns in major cities, where residents continue to face erratic water supplies and quality challenges. The issue is not new. In 2014, the Bulawayo City Council abandoned a similar pre-paid water meter rollout following public protests.

More suburbs, including Budiriro 3, Kuwadzana, parts of Eastlea, and Kambuzuma, are scheduled for installation as the project continues. As the rollout expands, the key question remains whether authorities can strike a sustainable balance between accurate billing, affordable pricing, and consistent access to clean water.

Harare smart water meters