Harare Residents and Civic Groups Oppose Water Privatisation Move

A growing number of stakeholders and civic organizations are pushing back against the Harare City Council’s plan to privatize water supply, urging Mayor Jacob Mafume to halt the process.

The Community Water Alliance (CWA) recently wrote to Mayor Mafume, questioning the legality of the city’s decision to engage Helcraw Electrical and Lyson Technologies as private players in water supply and treatment. However, reports suggest that Mafume refused to accept the letter.

According to the CWA, the city council’s decision violates provisions of the Urban Councils Act. The letter highlights that the 2013 Zimbabwe National Water Policy designates urban councils as Water Services Authorities, allowing them to engage Water Service Providers only if a review of the Urban Councils Act has taken place.

“The policy is clear that the authority to enter into contractual agreements with Water Service Providers is subject to the revision of the Urban Councils Act. Without such a revision, the City of Harare does not have the legal authority to proceed with these agreements,” the CWA argued.

The privatisation initiative includes the installation of prepaid water meters in 250,000 households, at an estimated cost of $107 million. However, CWA national coordinator Hardlife Mudzingwa has strongly opposed this move, warning that it will not improve water access but instead burden residents.

“What is concerning is that these meters have a lifespan of only five years, meaning after every five years, another $107 million will be required to replace them,” Mudzingwa said.

He also pointed out that a previous prepaid water meter pilot project in Kuwadzana, Sunningdale, and Westgate had failed to deliver positive results, leaving many residents dissatisfied.

“The Harare City Council has tried this before, but the people felt shortchanged. There is no guarantee that this new deal will be any different,” he added.

Mudzingwa has called on residents and other stakeholders to resist the privatisation move, which has already received support from the Local Government Ministry.

Meanwhile, Mayor Mafume has been accused of forcing the deal through without proper consultation, with reports indicating that several councillors oppose the plan, arguing that it does not serve the best interests of residents.

As opposition to the deal grows, stakeholders continue to demand transparency and public engagement in decision-making regarding Harare’s water supply management.