Government outlaws conventional water meters

Government has with immediate effect outlawed the use of conventional water meters, declaring it mandatory for local authorities to install prepaid ones.

Following massive nationwide consultations with residents, local authorities have been instructed to expeditiously introduce prepaid water meters. Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing, Engineer George Mlilo yesterday said Government instructed all local authorities to install prepaid water meters, in a move that is aimed at increasing revenue collection. In an interview on the sidelines of the Midlands Land Developers luncheon in Gweru, Eng Mlilo said prepaid water meter system was the way to go.

"With immediate effect, all local authorities should now install prepaid water meters," he said. "Look at how Zesa is managing its operations with the prepaid billing system, they have created an efficient system where people will not use their facilities for free or on credit, it is just pay as you go, a move which makes its operation smooth."

Although Eng Mlilo could not give a time frame when local authorities were expected to have fully complied with the directive, he said Government had already done enough consultations with residents across the country over the matter.

"At this point in time we are just directing all local authorities to start the process of installing prepaid water meters," he said. Local Government, Public Works and National Housing Minister Saviour Kasukuwere is on record warning local authorities against overcharging residents.

Last year, Government granted local authorities the nod to install prepaid water meters to ensure timeous payment of bills, as well as improving service delivery.

The move is likely to curb loopholes in revenue collection among local authorities, as well as making sure that most residents who were previously saddled with estimated bills and would be given what they would have paid for.