The Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) has commenced the installation of prepaid water meters in Chivi Growth Point and Mashava as part of efforts to improve water management, accountability and service delivery in growing rural communities.
In a statement, yesterday, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Nick Mangwana, said the programme was being implemented as a pilot before being extended to other rural service centres, in line with the Government’s thrust of ensuring equitable access to essential services.
“The Zimbabwe National Water Authority has begun installing prepaid water meters in Chivi Growth Point and Mashava. Areas covered in Chivi include Silver City A and B, Green Valley, New Stands, Messengers Camp and North End,” Mangwana said.
He said the initiative was driven by Government’s commitment to leaving no one and no place behind, with the pilot expected to provide a model for improving water management in other rural settlements.
“Driven by its mantra of leaving no one behind, ZINWA said the programme is a pilot that will cascade to other rural service centres, including Ngundu, Mhandamabwe and Takavarasha,” he said.
Mangwana said consumers have subsequently been urged to maximise the use of available water while ensuring that every drop is properly accounted for.
“The expansion of Chivi District has also increased demand for complementary infrastructure, with stakeholders highlighting the need for additional services such as street lighting to support the growth of the area,” he said.
Chivi has been earmarked for further development after Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe indicated earlier this year that the growth point would be elevated to town status.
“ZINWA had also been directed to extend prepaid metering to public institutions, including hospitals, as part of efforts to strengthen accountability in water consumption across all sectors,” he added.
The rollout forms part of efforts to modernise water management, promote responsible consumption and ensure sustainable service delivery as rural centres continue to grow.
