TellZim Reporter
Masvingo City Council (MCC) has earmarked a number of measures they intend to implement in order to recoup revenue the local authority is owed by government departments and ministries while at the same time embarking on an awareness campaign to residents on replacement of non-functional water meters.
According to minutes of the Finance and General Purposes Committee dated April 20, 2023, council aims at improving efficient service delivery in the long run.
“The Finance Director reported that council was engaging residents associations prior to the launch of the water meter replacement campaign or programme. It was highlighted that Central government was being engaged to settle government debts.
“It was also noted that preparations were at an advanced stage to compile all the potential revenue to be realised from the recently crafted by-laws for consolidation and coming up with databases for each revenue source to facilitate collection. The report was noted,” read the minutes.
Council also said the moves were meant at improving revenue collection.
“On measures to improve revenue collection efficiency to finance service delivery, the Finance Director reported that a smart meter reading solution was being acquired which would enhance billing efficiency,” added the minutes.
The minutes also revealed the number of properties with no functional meters in both the Central Business District (CBD) and residential areas.
“It was further highlighted that out of 2 998 metered properties in the Central Business District and low density residential areas, 1 044 properties had non-functional meters which translates to 34.8 percent. In Mucheke suburb, 34.3 percent of 3 115 water meters were non-functional. In Chesvingo suburb, out of 8 722 metered properties, 1 888 (21 percent) of water meters were not functional.
“In Rujeko suburb, out of 3 602 properties, 1 468 meters were not operating (40.8 percent) bringing the total non-functional meters to 29 percent for the total 18 437 properties,” read the minutes.
Council has on a number of occasions expressed concern over previous non-revenue water losses especially in the Rujeko area.
