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This was after the residents from Garikai/Hlalani Kuhle Phase Two Segment Three alleged that the local authority was working hand in hand with the Bulawayo Home Seekers’ Consortium (BHSC), a private developer, which they accuse of failing to meet their needs.
The residents accused council of demanding monthly rentals when they do not have water and sewer services in their houses.
There was drama as council officials tried to explain to the angry residents that the area was still under the Government and the council had to first wait for the official handover of the housing project to start installing meters and sewer systems.
The residents who were shouting at the top of their voices using vulgar language took turns to hurl unprintable insults to council officials who stood in shock.
At some point the rowdy residents mobbed the council crew, threatening to overturn their vehicle as others burst into singing “Int’oyenzayo s’yayizonda”. The residents said they did not have anything to do with the prepaid meter system.
A Chronicle news crew covering the meeting was also caught in the crossfire, with one resident ordering the team to stay away from the fracas.
A Radio Dialogue crew that was hired to provide a public address system and entertainment was also not spared as residents instructed them to switch off their machines, saying they were making noise. “We do not want to hear about anything you say. We have suffered a lot in this area and you are bringing up this pre-paid water meter system so that you continue robbing us our hard-earned cash.
“We do not have electricity and water in our houses and you have the guts to come with your radio to make noise for us. You have worked against us together with this consortium and you claim this pre-paid system is for our own benefit,” fumed the resident.
BHSC officials also felt the heat as residents ordered them to vacate the place immediately. The team quickly heeded the instruction and drove off for fear of being manhandled.
Most residents could not, however, understand that the council was seeking their opinion on the pre-paid water meter system.
It was a different case when the officials addressed residents from Makokoba who promised to pay their bills and to liaise with the local authority for more information.
Council is conducting a pilot survey in all parts of the city on the proposed water pre-payment system before its implementation.
Tomorrow the exercise moves to Nkulumane.
In a statement, council senior public relations officer Mrs Nesisa Mpofu said the exercise was expected to be complete by March.
“The Water Demand Management project is scheduled to finish in March 2012 and the total value for the entire project is $200 000.
“The project is being carried out by the City of Bulawayo in a bid to develop comprehensive business plan on the accountability of non-revenue water and provide, maintain a sound water infrastructure network throughout the city,” said Mrs Mpofu.
Ends.mavhu