Peter Tanyanyiwa and Remember Deketeke
Herald Reporters
AFTER years of enduring erratic water supply and persistent leaks, residents across Harare and the Greater Metropolitan Province may finally be witnessing the dawn of a new era in public water provision.
On Monday, city officials, government dignitaries, and community leaders toured the first phase of the City of Harare and Helcrow Water Project in Warren Park 1 to mark the commencement of the upgrading of the Harare Metropolitan’s water infrastructure—a project set to benefit millions in Harare, Chitungwiza, Ruwa, Epworth, Norton, and beyond.
The City of Harare, in partnership with Halcrow Electrical, has begun the replacement of ageing asbestos water pipes with modern PVC alternatives.
The initiative is already underway, with one kilometre of new piping laid in Warren Park as of Monday.
Workers are proceeding at a steady pace, installing nearly 40 metres of piping each day, with the project designed to progress through three distinct phases.
The first phase alone targets the replacement of approximately 400 kilometres of pipeline—no small feat in a city where the water network stretches across an estimated 6,800 kilometres.
Upon completion, the project will expand to all corners of the Harare Metropolitan Province, reaching local boards and towns that rely on Harare’s water supply, including Chitungwiza, Ruwa, Epworth, and Norton.
Speaking at the launch, Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Daniel Garwe, hailed the initiative as a milestone for the capital and the region.
“This exercise marks a decisive step towards modernising our city’s water infrastructure and ensuring residents have access to clean and reliable water that is consistent,” he said.
“The Call to Action is not merely a slogan; it is a directive for results-driven development that directly improves people’s lives.”
The project is not confined to pipe replacement. It also involves the installation of prepaid smart water meters across Harare’s 350 000 homes, with plans to roll out similar technology in satellite towns.
These meters are designed to ensure residents pay only for the water they consume, providing real-time data and allowing for rapid detection of leaks—thus promising to address a major source of water loss.
For years, Harare’s antiquated infrastructure has led to significant inefficiencies. Mayor Councillor Jacob Mafume highlighted the scale of the challenge: “The city’s ageing infrastructure had contributed to massive losses of treated water, with non-revenue water currently estimated at around 60 percent.
“The replacement of these pipes will go a long way in reducing leakages and ensuring that more households actually receive the water they are billed for.
“This is not only about fixing pipes; it’s about restoring efficiency, trust and service delivery in our city.”
The scope of the project is regional. Minister Garwe confirmed that the Government’s vision extends beyond Harare city limits, to deliver improved water systems to all communities within the Greater Harare Metropolitan Province.
“This is a regional effort to ensure that all communities under the Greater Harare province benefit from improved water reticulation systems,” he said.
Oversight and accountability are being prioritised, according to Cde Maxmore Njanji, chairperson of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Local Government and Public Works and legislator for Mazowe Central:
“This is a human-centred initiative that seeks to restore dignity to our people through access to basic services,” he remarked. “We will continue to provide oversight to ensure accountability and timely completion.”
The Zimbabwe National Organisation of Associations and Residents Trust (ZNOART) has been a vocal supporter of the initiative.
During a tour of the Helcrow Water Project, ZNOART national chairperson Shalvar Chikomba commended the project’s broad scope, which goes well beyond the installation of smart meters.
“The water crisis has persisted for decades, with most suburbs in Harare going for years without running tap water. The central government has once again demonstrated its willingness to listen to its citizens by facilitating this initiative,” he said.
“Residents have paid for water for too long without receiving the service they deserve. Reports show that up to 60 percent of treated water is lost through leaks. This project will help address those losses and improve water supply reliability.”
According to Chikomba, the introduction of smart water meters marks a major leap forward in transparency and efficiency.
“The smart water system will allow residents to pay only for the water they consume, eliminating inaccurate estimates and improving accountability. The new meters will also provide real-time data on water usage, enabling accurate billing and faster detection of leaks.”
ZNOART called on the City of Harare to prioritise service delivery as it prepares future budgets. Chikomba issued a clear warning regarding proposed increases in tariffs:
“These proposed increases are inhuman and unacceptable. We urge the city to revert to the figures agreed upon during residents’ consultations. Councils must focus on service delivery, not fattening their pockets at the expense of ratepayers,” he said.
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