Source: Residents cry foul after installation of prepaid meters – herald
Diana Nherera
RESIDENTS of Westlea who had prepaid water meters installed by the City of Harare in partnership with Helcraw Water Pvt Limited are crying foul over the high amounts that they are now having to pay to have water.
A Westlea resident said they were now paying US$100 a month for water, which is consumed by a family of six from around US$35 previously.
The resident said they receive water from Tuesday to Thursday.
“The water is expensive as we are spending US$100. At least we work, imagine the elderly, where do they get the money?
“Water is important to everyone and it should be affordable. Council should look into the water charges for these prepaid meters.”
The resident also said they cannot drink or use the water for laundry, as it is dirty.
“Yes, the council want money, but we deserve clean water, and it should be available all the time as well as being affordable. At this rate, residents will resort to drilling community boreholes,” she said.
A resident of Warren Park said they were now consuming water worth US$20 in three days since the meters were installed.
The resident said that when she queried this, she was told that there might be a leak. The resident also queried why residents should be made to pay for old water pipes.
“Why did they install those meters first, knowing very well that the pipes are old, and now it’s becoming our expense because we are buying water every two days,” she said.
Contacted for comment, Ward 15 Warren Park Councillor Tafadzwa Machirori said leaks after the installation of the meter are the responsibility of the property owner, whether the meters are prepaid or not.
“Property owners should always ensure that there are no leaking taps, faulty cistern tanks and leaking pipes after the meter to avoid losing the precious liquid and money,” he said.
“However, if there are any queries regarding calibration, the property owner should visit the district office so that an investigation can be done by the technical people.”
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