Harare will soon receive 650,000 smart water meters plus a brand new water treatment plant. The government plans to fix the ongoing water crisis by stopping revenue leaks and working with private companies. This project brings together several partners, including the Ministry of Local Government, Harare city officials, and major tech companies. Hangzhou Laison Technology Company from China and local firm Helcraw Electrical will handle much of the work.
The city decided to let private companies run Harare's water system after Mayor Jacob Mafume asked Dr. Martin Rushwaya for urgent help. This includes everything from cleaning the water to delivering it and billing customers. Minister Daniel Garwe announced yesterday at the Morton Jeffrey treatment plant that the smart meters have already left China and are heading toward Zimbabwe. The government has prepared 40 new vehicles for the program launch.
Minister Garwe explained that they want to use modern technology for accurate billing, similar to electricity systems. When someone buys water, they'll pay exactly for what they use—not a penny more. Residents deserve value for their money and should never pay for dirty water or services they don't receive. This approach matches President Mnangagwa's plan from two years ago, which focused on improving local services across Zimbabwe.
Before starting work, the investment companies studied Harare's water problems carefully. Their report showed Lake Chivero contains contaminated water needing extensive cleaning. The Morton Jaffray plant requires complete renovation. Many pipes throughout the city leak badly, wasting huge amounts of treated water before reaching homes. The mayor called this partnership "transformative" but clarified the city hasn't given up control of its water facilities.
Clark Dai from the Chinese technology company expressed excitement about bringing their latest innovations to help Harare manage water sustainably. They aim to ensure all residents can access clean water reliably. Brendon Jere, who leads Helcraw Electrical, believes they can solve the city's water problems completely. His team has already worked extensively with government officials to understand exactly what repairs and improvements need to happen across the entire system.
The city decided to let private companies run Harare's water system after Mayor Jacob Mafume asked Dr. Martin Rushwaya for urgent help. This includes everything from cleaning the water to delivering it and billing customers. Minister Daniel Garwe announced yesterday at the Morton Jeffrey treatment plant that the smart meters have already left China and are heading toward Zimbabwe. The government has prepared 40 new vehicles for the program launch.
Minister Garwe explained that they want to use modern technology for accurate billing, similar to electricity systems. When someone buys water, they'll pay exactly for what they use—not a penny more. Residents deserve value for their money and should never pay for dirty water or services they don't receive. This approach matches President Mnangagwa's plan from two years ago, which focused on improving local services across Zimbabwe.
Before starting work, the investment companies studied Harare's water problems carefully. Their report showed Lake Chivero contains contaminated water needing extensive cleaning. The Morton Jaffray plant requires complete renovation. Many pipes throughout the city leak badly, wasting huge amounts of treated water before reaching homes. The mayor called this partnership "transformative" but clarified the city hasn't given up control of its water facilities.
Clark Dai from the Chinese technology company expressed excitement about bringing their latest innovations to help Harare manage water sustainably. They aim to ensure all residents can access clean water reliably. Brendon Jere, who leads Helcraw Electrical, believes they can solve the city's water problems completely. His team has already worked extensively with government officials to understand exactly what repairs and improvements need to happen across the entire system.
