Harare adopts a 'Pay first, drink later' strategy

The City of Harare has launched the first phase of its prepaid water meter installation programme at residential flats just outside the central business district amid a raging debate over access to water as a basic human right.

The pilot project will initially cover 22 households at Birdcage Walk, with another 28 prepaid meters to be installed at Calder Gardens.

The prepaid water meters are being installed in partnership with in partnership with Helcraw Water owned by Farai Jere and Chinese firm, Laison Technologies.

The government wants prepaid water meters in all major towns and cities.

Helcraw Water chief executive Brandon Jere said the prepaid system was designed to promote responsible water usage, minimise losses and ensure residents only pay for what they consume.

"We are simply switching from postpaid to prepaid meters, tariffs remain unchanged," Jere said, adding that the company was also replacing the Harare's ageing steel pipes to reduce water losses.

Harare reportedly loses about 60 percent of its treated water through leakages.

Laison Technologies vice president Clark Dai said his firm was providing technical expertise to support the rollout, while Birdcage Walk Flats property owner Elias Kaseke welcomed the initiative, saying the old billing system had caused disputes between paying and non-paying tenants.

However, critics have warned that prepaid water meters could violate section 77 of the constitution, which guarantees every person the right to safe, clean and potable water.

Combined Harare Residents Association (CHRA) officials who attended the launch said they would monitor the rollout closely to ensure it does not lead to exclusion of poor families who might struggle to buy water credits.

"This is very controversial," said one activist, speaking on condition of anonymity. "Once you disconnect someone for non-payment, you're effectively denying them a constitutional right. This can devastate poor households and increase the risk of disease outbreaks."

Representatives from the Zimbabwe National Organisation of Associations and Residents Trust (ZNOART), including chairman Shalvar Chikomba, expressed cautious optimism, saying prepaid meters could promote fairness if implemented transparently and with safeguards for vulnerable residents.