Harare City Council replaces 66 km of water pipes despite cash woes

Harare City Council says it has made gains in water, health, and schools despite a tight budget. The latest figures show a mix of pipe repairs, digital upgrades, and new clinic services as the capital prepares its next spending plan.

At Town House, Finance Committee chairperson Councillor Jubilation Shoko gave an update on what the city had achieved. Money remains a challenge, but Shoko said several public services had moved forward, along with work on city planning and internal reforms.

Water pipes were a big part of the update. Harare managed to replace 66 kilometers of old lines, though it had aimed for 106 kilometers. That leaves a gap between the work done and the goal set by the council.

Another 85,301 smart water meters have been fitted across the city. These devices aim to help track usage and make bills more accurate. Better data could also help officials spot where water gets lost in the network.

Over at Darwendale Pump Station, five pumps have been put into service. The site supplies raw water for Harare and nearby towns, making it an important part of the wider supply system.

Health clinics have had some work done as well. Kuwadzana Polyclinic received upgrades, while Edith Opperman Clinic got repairs and improved equipment. The changes form part of the city's effort to improve care at local facilities.

Mabvuku Polyclinic has added emergency C-section care, giving patients another place to seek urgent maternity treatment. The council expects this to ease demand at larger hospitals, though the update did not give figures on patient numbers.

Digital tools have also entered the health system. Clinics are moving toward electronic patient files, while environmental health teams have a new way to submit reports online. Both changes aim to make record-keeping and daily work more efficient.

Schools weren't left out. The council has brought internet access to 30 schools under its control, along with three public libraries. Building work and repairs at education sites have carried on across the capital.

But the bigger question is how these upgrades will hold up with limited funding. Shoko's figures show where progress has been made, while the shortfall in pipe replacement shows that some targets remain out of reach.
 

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