BCC bows down to pressure on prepaid meters

THE Bulawayo City Council has bowed to pressure from residents in Cowdray Park's Garikayi/Hlalani Kuhle areas who have been demonstrating against the installation of pre-paid water meters.

Civic organisations that include the Bulawayo Progressive Residents' Association (Bupra), Bulawayo Agenda, Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) and Women of Zimbawe Arise (Woza) have since 2013 been rallying Bulawayo residents against the meters.

According to the latest council report, the local authority is urging residents to apply for water connections for normal meters.

"Council resolved to revisit and amend the December 2013 resolution which proposed the installation of prepaid water meters in Hlalani Kuhle residing in segments where water reticulation has been certified complete to start applying for water connections using the normal standard meter," read the report.

"Council also resolved that the residents would pay water connection fees in a $200 lump sum as part of the servicing costs and that $50 previously adopted be reviewed downwards to $15 per month," reads the report.

The Director of Engineering Services, Simela Dube, said residents of Hlalani Kuhle had met the technical committee to map a way forward on servicing the area with water.

"Previously, it had been agreed that a pilot programme on prepaid water meters would be undertaken at Cowdray Park-Hlalani Kuhle but the residents are now asking for normal water meters in their houses, each household to have its own water meter," he said.

In a debate that ensued, Cowdray Park councillor Collet Ndhlovu said council was not able to provide the pre-paid water meters. He said the conventional meters would ensure residents get water soon.

Some councillors felt the local authority failed to do its duty in conducting research about the prepaid water meters, maintaining there were residents who wanted them at their homes.

Clr Clyton Zana said: "The residents wanted stand-alone water meters, this is the same with electricity. At first people were not willing to use pre-paid electricity meters but now almost everyone is using them. Those who need pre-paid water meters should be allowed to buy them".

Deputy Mayor Clr Gift Banda concurred with councillor Zana that the door should be left open for residents who wanted pre-paid meters.

"Council should start by implementing prepaid water meters with volunteers. There are many people who are interested in prepaid water meters and this programme is likely to enhance revenue collection," said Clr Banda.

The Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing has set the record straight on pre-paid water meters, saying local authorities should roll them out countrywide to boost revenue collection. The government indicated it was no longer in a position to avail grants to councils.

The ministry said the country was in a "cash economy" hence pre-paid water meters were an ideal business model for local authorities. Local Government, Public Works and National Housing Minister Saviour Kasukuwere recently gave Gwanda town the green light to install pre-paid water meters to enhance revenue collection and improve service delivery despite protests by residents.

Shurugwi council has announced it will have at least 5,400 pre-paid meter units in households by March next year.