The government is set to begin rolling out prepaid water meters across Zimbabwe, starting with Harare, in a move aimed at improving water service delivery, encouraging responsible usage, and increasing revenue collection. The program is expected to launch in the next two to three weeks.

In the first phase, the focus will be on high-density suburbs in Harare and nearby towns such as Norton, Chitungwiza, and Ruwa. A total of 600,000 meters will be installed, with 320,000 allocated to Harare. The remainder will be distributed among Bulawayo, Gweru, Mutare, and Victoria Falls. The second phase will extend the initiative to other urban centres countrywide.

This follows the government’s recent agreements with the City of Harare, Hangzhou Liaison Technology Company, and Helcraw Electrical. The project is being implemented through a Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) arrangement, allowing private companies to manage water purification, distribution, billing, and wastewater services. Additionally, Harare will receive a new water treatment facility under the program. Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe confirmed that contractors are already on site, marking the official start of a long-delayed project first proposed a decade ago.

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