Thousands of liters of water are spilling freely along Chiremba Road, a stark symbol of the capital’s ongoing water crisis, even as many residents go without supply. The visible losses have sharpened concerns over systemic inefficiencies and who ultimately bears the cost of unaccounted water.
In response, Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume is advocating for a technological overhaul. The city is shifting focus toward smart solutions, with the mayor confirming that the installation of smart water meters could provide a lasting fix.
“That’s why we’ve introduced prepaid water meters for us to be able to control the revenue aspect of water a bit more,” Mafume said.
For years, residents have faced high water bills under a system based on estimated usage rather than actual consumption. However, some parts of the capital, including the suburb of Aspendel, have already adopted the new system, which they say delivers fairer and more transparent billing.