Zimbabwe to deploy drain-flushing technology nationwide

The Government has announced plans to introduce drain-flushing technology to clear blocked drainage systems in Harare and other urban centres, as part of long-term measures to tackle flash flooding. The move forms part of broader initiatives, including the rollout of smart water meters and a new waste management system in Bulawayo, aimed at addressing chronic service delivery challenges in opposition-led councils.

Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe revealed the interventions during a press conference on Monday, noting that the projects will be implemented through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs).

The announcement follows the successful introduction of prepaid water meters in Harare under a Build, Operate, and Transfer (BOT) model, executed in partnership with the City of Harare, Hangzhou Liaison Technology Company, and Helcraw Electrical. In the first phase, 600,000 prepaid meters will be installed, with 320,000 allocated to Harare and the remainder distributed to Bulawayo, Gweru, Mutare, and Victoria Falls.

Minister Garwe explained that flash flooding in urban areas is often exacerbated by blocked drains, with vendors storing goods that obstruct water flow. To address this, the Government is sourcing specialized equipment capable of clearing deep-seated blockages that manual labour has been unable to remove.

"We are now bringing technology that can blow off all that blockage so that our drains start functioning again. But we need to go through the PPP arrangements," Minister Garwe said.

He criticised the City of Harare for not utilising available technical support to improve service delivery, despite the establishment of the Local Authorities Technical Support Unit last year. The unit houses machinery such as yellow machines and tube trucks, which local authorities can hire to maintain infrastructure. "The only local authority that doesn't come to hire from us is Harare. That deviant behaviour by the Mayor of Harare is very unfortunate," he said.

Minister Garwe also announced plans to convene a high-level meeting with mayors and local authority officials across the country to discuss issues related to road rehabilitation, drainage, and sewer management, aligning these efforts with the National Development Strategy 2.

Regarding water services, he said the rollout of smart water meters and a new waste management system in Bulawayo is at an advanced stage. The prepaid meters, operating via smart cards similar to electricity tokens, will allow residents to pay for water in advance, monitor consumption, and budget more effectively. The system is expected to improve revenue collection, reduce illegal connections, and plug long-standing losses in municipal billing.

"These initiatives are part of a broader effort to modernize service delivery, curb wastage, and ensure that urban residents receive reliable water and waste management services," Minister Garwe said.

The Government's interventions are being closely watched as cities contend with recurring flooding, aging infrastructure, and the challenge of balancing technical solutions with administrative efficiency.