Victoria Falls has installed 50 prepaid water meters across residential and commercial zones as part of a trial program aimed at reducing consumption and improving payment collection. Town Clerk Ronnie Dube said the system allocates 70 percent of purchases to active use and directs 20 percent toward outstanding balances. The municipality reports a positive reception in low-density areas, but faces skepticism in high-density neighborhoods, where residents worry about affordability.
One Mkhosana resident expressed concern that automated disconnection removes the possibility of negotiating payment extensions with officials when funds run short. Municipal authorities maintain that the technology promotes conservation through self-monitoring and generates revenue for infrastructure maintenance. The pilot phase will determine whether the system expands citywide based on performance data from the initial installations.
One Mkhosana resident expressed concern that automated disconnection removes the possibility of negotiating payment extensions with officials when funds run short. Municipal authorities maintain that the technology promotes conservation through self-monitoring and generates revenue for infrastructure maintenance. The pilot phase will determine whether the system expands citywide based on performance data from the initial installations.
