Glen View Residents Blast Inept Councillors Over Prepaid Water Deal

HARARE– Glen View residents have turned their anger on local councillors, accusing them of incompetence and betrayal over the controversial prepaid water meters deal by Harare City Council. Several residents condemned what they described as a poorly conceived prepaid water initiative, which they claim was approved without adequate consultation. “I was baffled to learn that this prepaid water deal was given the thumbs-up by our own councillors, whom we elected to represent our interests,” said one resident, who identified himself only as “Dread.” “I am convinced they are now pursuing their own interests.

This is nothing short of betrayal,” he added. An elderly resident, identified as Gogo vaShelton, also criticised councillors for failing to engage the community before endorsing the project. “It would have been honourable for them to consult us and gather our views.

At least we could have raised concerns or suggested better ways of implementing the programme. Now it feels like they have turned their backs on us,” she said. CWA advocacy officer Timothy Chitambure echoed the residents’ concerns, accusing the City of Harare of misplacing priorities.

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“We are appalled that this deal, which is reportedly funded through a Chinese loan, is largely focused on installing prepaid water meters instead of rehabilitating the city’s ageing water infrastructure,” said Chitambure. “For instance, Harare has a water pipe network of about 5,000 kilometres that requires urgent repairs. However, under this arrangement, only slightly over 100 kilometres will be refurbished,” he added.

Chitambure said CWA, in collaboration with ZLHR, is intensifying efforts to educate residents on legal avenues available to challenge the installation of prepaid meters. Residents have raised concerns over high water tariffs and the continued deterioration of water supply. A representative from ZLHR also highlighted constitutional provisions that guarantee access to safe, affordable water and emphasised the need for transparency and accountability by both local and central government authorities.

Harare City Council, led by Mayor Jacob Mafume, has come under increasing scrutiny following its agreement with private company Helcraw to roll out prepaid water meters. The initiative was initially presented as a solution to the city’s long-standing water challenges.

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