TellZim Reporter
After recording successive water losses, Masvingo City Council has resolved to embark on a compulsory replacement of non-functional water meters as a way of putting the losses to a halt.
According to minutes of the Public Works and Planning Committee held on February 23, 2023, council resolved that the Finance Director send communication to residents urging them to replace such meters.
“It was reported that non-revenue water for January was 31.78percent which translated to ZW$ 170 093 757. Clarity was sought on the classification of non-revenue water; the Acting Director of Engineering Services explained that it includes water losses from leaks and non-functional meters. He (the Director of Engineering Services) added that council procured 250 meters and only 30 had been replaced. Committee members proposed that, council should make replacement of non-functional meters compulsory, replace the meters and charge residents the cost of the meter.
“The representative from the District Development Coordinator’s office advised that council should advise residents to replace non-functional meters and failure would lead to water disconnection. The Finance Director reported that the bulk Short Message Service system communication channel would be utilized to disseminate the information. The committee resolved that the Finance Director being instructed to send out communication to residents to urge them to replace non-functional water meters and water disconnection to debtors,” read the minutes.
The minutes also added that during the month of January, 40 burst pipes were reported while there were 29 water connections, 53 water meter replacements and 24 sewer connections.
Council has continuously recorded water losses especially through transmission in Rujeko area while also burst pipes and non-working meters were as well pointed towards as the major causes behind the losses.
