Pre-paid water meters negative publicity irks Councillor Ncube

A Bulawayo councillor Thobani Ncube has expressed dismay over the negative publicity that the prepaid water meters which the local authority wanted implemented has been given.

According to council minutes the Director of Engineering Services Simela Dube submitted  that water situation had of late deteriorated which led the council to shelve the decision to implement the pre-paid water meters.

"Discussion ensued and Councillor C. Moyo enquired whether the prepaid meters were there or not?" reads council minutes. "Councillor Earnest Rafomoyo said that residents in his ward (20) were ready for prepaid meters to be installed on their premises."

Ncube said he  was concerned about the negative publicity regarding prepaid meters.

He said that there were some people who did not support this programme.

" In view of this, there were allegations that Council wished to impose prepaid meters. During budget consultation meetings, some residents showed interest in prepaid meters as they felt that they would enjoy benefits as was the case with ZESA prepaid meters - reduced costs etc," reads minutes.

Councillor Norman Hlabani concurred, however he sought clarification on whether Council had the capacity to install prepaid water meters? He said that there was a proposal for a site visit to Gwanda Town Council to assess the installation of the prepaid water meters.

Councillor Colleen Moyo's view was that Council should implement the pilot project in Cowdray Park. The cons and prons of the project would then be determined and residents would make an informed decision thereafter.

The Mayor (Councillor Martin Moyo) said that the Mayor of Gwanda had confirmed that the meters had been installed in that town although they were limited/few. He suggested that the resolution on prepaid meters be implemented in order for Council and residents to make an informed decision. Council's financial position should be taken into account when considering the extension of the programme to those who had opted for prepaid meters on a voluntary basis. Trips outside the city had to be assessed in view of Council's position.

"In response the Director of Engineering Services confirmed that prepaid meters were not yet available. The Engineering Services Department had installed stand pipes in Cowdray Park which operated in the form of prepaid meters. Council also had financial challenges in procuring prepaid meters as the cost of one meter was $250. He explained that according to predictions, rains would not be adequate this season. If this was true Council might resort to water shedding. If water shedding was introduced Council would experience challenges in using the prepaid meter system. Cowdray Park had always been catered for during the water shedding period," reads the minutes.

"The Acting Town Clerk advised that Council  had approved various trips, however the trips had been suspended pending the Financial Director's report. The report would be submitted to the General Purposes Committee meeting  and thereafter a decision on the issue would be made, as appropriate."