Staff Reporter
For over a decade, Harare’s winter nights told a story of endurance.
Thousands would rise as early as 0400 hours to queue at boreholes, braving the cold to secure water.
This winter, the story is different, multitudes across the capital are heaving a collective sigh of relief as taps flow with a consistency unthinkable just years ago.
Yet even as residents celebrate, a legal storm is brewing.
On 15 June, the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights filed a High Court application seeking to suspend the prepaid water meter rollout, arguing it is unlawful under the Harare Water By‑Laws of 1913 and the Urban Councils Act.
The ZLHR contends that the city cannot introduce a new billing regime without amending existing by‑laws through proper legislative processes.
But on 16 June, the Zimbabwe National Organisation of Associations and Residents Trust (ZNOART) issued a statement firmly backing the initiative.
“Prepaid water systems have the potential to improve revenue collection, reduce billing disputes, eliminate estimated charges, minimise water losses, encourage responsible water consumption and generate resources necessary for infrastructure rehabilitation, maintenance and expansion,” said ZNOART National Chairman Shepherd Chikomba.
The voices of residents themselves tell a story of profound gratitude.
In Warren Park 1, Elvis Mukawa said, “I am delighted by the fact that as residents we will only get water that we paid for, which means there are no fears of being overcharged.”
In Westlea, Sharon Mhlanga echoed, “We are happy with the prepaid water meters as they will make residents responsible, at the same time people will receive what they would have paid for, thus reducing estimates which most residents did not agree with.”
Fellow Westlea resident Tinashe Moyo added, “Now, I only pay for what I actually use. It brings fairness back to the community.”
The system, similar to prepaid electricity, allows residents to buy water credits via mobile platforms, eliminating contentious estimated bills.
More than 23 000 smart meters have been installed, with suburbs including Warren Park, Westlea, Belvedere, Mabelreign and the Avenues already benefiting.
Over 21 000 meters and 20 kilometres of new piping have been laid, and Helcraw Water is replacing 106 kilometres of ageing pipes.
Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume has called it “the best solution for Harare residents.”
ZNOART Chairman the human rights argument head‑on:
“Water is a fundamental human right. However, that right can only be fully realised when local authorities possess the financial and technical capacity to treat, distribute, maintain and expand water infrastructure. Sustainable financing mechanisms are therefore essential,” he said.
“As residents’ representatives, we believe that Public‑Private Partnerships (PPPs) offer a practical and sustainable model for improving service delivery.”
The juxtaposition is stark.
In the same week that ZLHR argues prepaid meters commercialise a basic right, residents in suburbs like Westlea and Warren Park celebrate a winter of running water, something many had not experienced in decades.
For those who once spent freezing pre‑dawn hours queuing at boreholes, this winter has brought the simple dignity of turning on a tap and finding water.
As one elderly resident reflected on four decades of struggle, “For all the years since I started staying here, more than 40 years ago, this is the first time I have managed to see water coming from our taps.”
Whether the courts will halt the rollout remains to be seen.
But for now, across Harare’s sprawling suburbs, the queues at boreholes have dwindled, the early morning chills no longer carry the dread of a waterless day, and residents are quietly enjoying a winter that feels, for the first time in years, like a season of hope.
