The City of Harare has installed over 15,000 smart prepaid water meters as part of an ongoing push to modernise its ageing water infrastructure, curb losses, and improve billing accuracy. Latest figures show installations have now surpassed 18 000 as of March 2026 with the rollout expected to accelerate following the delivery of about 60 000 additional meters into the country. Suburbs such as Belvedere, Westlea, Mabelreign and Warren Park are among the first to benefit with residents largely welcoming the shift from estimated billing to a prepaid system.
Residents say the new system brings fairness and accountability, eliminating disputes that often arose under estimated billing. Some noted that prepaid metering ensures households only pay for what they consume, while also encouraging responsible water usage. Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume has championed the initiative, citing significant losses within the city’s water system.
The municipality is reportedly losing close to 60 percent of treated water before it reaches consumers, translating into millions of dollars in monthly revenue losses. City officials believe the smart metering system will not only improve revenue collection but also provide more accurate consumption data, helping authorities better manage supply and demand.
All Zim News – Bringing you the latest news and updates.
