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Walter Nyamukondiwa Kariba Bureau
KARIBA Municipality is set to roll out about 1 000 prepaid water meters, amid concern from residents over high estimate bills and perennial sewer pipe bursts in some areas.

Calls are growing for a permanent solution to sewage problems in the old settlement of Mahombekombe in Ward 6, especially Amtali Section, where a disease outbreak is feared owing to potential contamination of water sources.

Sewage flows near water taps, while people are using the bush to relieve themselves in the areas where toilets were not fixed by the Germany Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ).

At least eight dilapidated communal toilets were reconstructed under the GIZ rehabilitation programme, but some were not, leading residents to calling for council’s speedy involvement.

Speaking during a meeting with councillors and officials from Kariba Municipality organised by the Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe, mayor Councillor George Masendu (Ward 4) said prepaid water meters would eliminate billing challenges.

“We have seen an improvement in terms of revenue collection in the areas where we have installed prepaid water meters,” he said. “We have also seen that it regulates consumption of water in a positive way.”