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Ivan Zhakata Herald Correspondent
THE City of Harare is disconnecting all illegal water connections in Maranatha and Madokero residential areas after those property owners ignored their local councillor who won a grace period for residents to regularise their connections by the end of last year.

Ward 16 councillor Denford Ngadziore told a meeting in Mabelreign with Maranatha, Ashdown and Bloomingdale residents that they had to comply with municipal by-laws but that he had managed to obtain a grace period to the end of last year for those illegally connected to the municipal water and sewer reticulation to regularise their connections.

There was also provision for those who needed time to pay to see an official at Harare Water who could consider their position. On Monday, more than three weeks after the deadline, the council started disconnecting all illegal water connections and the exercise is still in progress.

On observation, unregistered connections were originating from a variety of issues which include cooperatives who were avoiding cumbersome procedures and individuals deliberately evading paying bills.

City of Harare corporate communications manager Mr Michael Chideme said the disconnection of illegal water supplies was aimed at improving service delivery.

“All illegal water connections are being disconnected, starting with the Maranatha and Madokero areas,” he said.

“Residents who illegally connected water are advised to regularise their connections. Council’s focus this year is to improve service delivery in the WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) sector.”

Cllr Ngadziore had warned the residents against illegal water connections, saying council would expeditiously deal with residents flouting council-by laws.

Council has also been undertaking an extensive regularisation exercise in order to plug financial loopholes.