Theft and Vandalism Threaten Harare Smart Water Meter Rollout

The Harare City Council says its smart water meter rollout programme is facing growing disruption from theft and vandalism targeting newly installed devices across the capital.

The local authority is implementing the project in partnership with Helcraw Water as part of efforts to modernise Harare’s water infrastructure and improve billing transparency.

More than 23,000 smart water meters have already been installed in high-density suburbs and the Avenues area. However, authorities say criminals are increasingly targeting the prepaid devices, raising fears over escalating infrastructure losses and additional replacement costs.

The smart meter programme was introduced to replace Harare’s controversial estimated billing system, which residents have long criticised for generating inaccurate and inflated charges. Supporters of the initiative argue that prepaid water meters will improve accountability by ensuring residents pay only for the water they actually consume.

Critics, however, say the prepaid system risks commercialising access to water, especially for low-income households already struggling with economic hardships and erratic water supplies. The rollout has become one of Harare’s most divisive local governance issues, with civic organisations and residents sharply split over the project’s long-term impact.

Speaking to NewsDay Zimbabwe, Precious Shumba said discussions were ongoing between residents, Harare Water and Helcraw Water over concerns surrounding the prepaid system.

“The introduction of prepaid water meters remains highly contested, as residents we have been engaging both Harare Water and Helcraw Water to try to find a sustainable solution to the numerous concerns raised by residents,” Shumba said.

He cited unreliable water supplies, frequent pipe leakages, and illegal water connections as some of the reasons many residents remain sceptical about prepaid metering.

“There is still resistance to the idea of prepaid water meters due to the erratic water supply and the widespread loss of treated water through leakages and illegal connections along the water distribution network,” he added.

Shumba also confirmed that community leaders had received reports of vandalism and theft involving the new smart meters.

Reuben Akili claimed the problem extends beyond ordinary vandalism, alleging that organised criminal groups are stripping valuable smart meter components.

“We have realised massive vandalism of public property, and this is unacceptable. Thieves are targeting smart meter valves, and this is now rampant in Harare,” Akili said.

He added that the Combined Harare Residents Association plans to engage the city council and Helcraw Water over who will bear the cost of replacing stolen or damaged devices.

Meanwhile, Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume warned that authorities would take a tough stance against those vandalising public infrastructure. Mafume said theft and destruction of prepaid water meters constituted a serious criminal offence and offenders could face imprisonment if convicted. Urban governance analysts say the success of Harare’s smart water infrastructure programme will depend heavily on public trust, affordability and stronger security measures protecting the installations.

Harare smart water meters

Harare News, Water Crisis, Smart Water Meters, Harare City Council, Helcraw Water, Infrastructure, Prepaid Water, Jacob Mafume, Zimbabwe News, Local Government