Local authorities in Zimbabwe's Filabusi urban service center gained the power to cut water access for customers who fail to pay bills under newly enacted regulations. Statutory Instrument 168 of 2025 allows the Insiza Rural District Council to suspend service after providing residents with 30 days' notice, while holding property owners, occupants and users equally responsible for outstanding charges.
The framework authorizes disconnections when payments remain overdue past deadlines or when violations occur related to water waste, improper use or contamination. Customers face fees for both service suspension and restoration, even when council errors cause problems.
The regulations establish that prepayment meter users cannot receive refunds once payment tokens are generated, and officials bear no responsibility for credit losses stemming from meter tampering or improper handling.
The framework authorizes disconnections when payments remain overdue past deadlines or when violations occur related to water waste, improper use or contamination. Customers face fees for both service suspension and restoration, even when council errors cause problems.
The regulations establish that prepayment meter users cannot receive refunds once payment tokens are generated, and officials bear no responsibility for credit losses stemming from meter tampering or improper handling.
