The Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) has moved to partner water users in the maintenance of water infrastructure under a new arrangement aimed at improving the upkeep of dams and related assets while easing pressure on maintenance costs.
In a statement this week, ZINWA said the initiative is designed to lower infrastructure maintenance costs, ensure timely repairs, and enable capable water users to participate directly in the upkeep of water systems.
“Aimed at lowering maintenance costs, ensuring timely maintenance of water infrastructure and allowing capable users to participate in water infrastructure maintenance, the arrangement will also see participating users having their maintenance costs reimbursed through credits passed on to their water accounts,” the authority said.
ZINWA indicated that the proposed partnerships would allow for the timely detection and rectification of any infrastructural issues.
“Engaging users for water infrastructure maintenance in exchange for water credits transforms consumers into active stewards of the water infrastructure, allowing for the detection and attention of minor maintenance issues before they can escalate into major and costly work,” the parastatal said.
Under the framework, interested water users will be required to submit detailed proposals outlining the scope of works for approval by ZINWA.
Once approved, designated ZINWA personnel will supervise and certify the works upon completion to ensure compliance with the agreed scope, cost, and methodology. The corresponding value will then be credited to the user’s water account.
However, ZINWA cautioned that any maintenance work undertaken outside the approved scope, or without its supervision, will not qualify for compensation.
The authority said the initiative is part of broader efforts to strengthen water infrastructure management and improve service delivery across the country.
