Zimpapers Logo

Sharon Chiware, Midlands Reporter
Gweru City Council (GCC) has started a prepaid water meters awareness campaign before installing them.

The publicity campaign, Mayor Councillor Charles Chikozho said, is aimed at conscientising residents on the advantages of having prepaid meters over the existing post-paid system.

He said council had resolved to introduce prepaid meters to cushion residents from the spectre of outstanding water bills.

“We are still at a primary stage and recently we held meetings in Mkoba and Mambo suburbs that is ward 7, 9, 10, 11, 13 and 17.

“During these meetings we realised that residents are receiving the message positively. This has encouraged us to  look for the way forward and start installing these meters,” said Clr Chikozho.

“The installation of prepaid meters in Gweru was supposed to start early this year but this has failed because we are looking for private partners.”

Clr Chikozho said the system will work like the Zesa prepaid meters whereby a percentage will be deducted to settle outstanding bills and the remainder used to pay for water before it is used.

“Since water is a human right and as a council we are not there to deprive residents of such resources but due to the way this system is designed it allows everyone even those with outstanding balances to access such a precious commodity,” said Clr Chikozho.

@sharonchiware1