Helcraw Electrical Projects, a private company, has secured a US$138 million contract from the government to improve Harare’s water infrastructure, according to reports from The Independent.
To recover its investment, Helcraw plans to charge Harare households US$5.50 per month over a span of 5-10 years. With approximately 350,000 homes in the city, this could generate around US$23.1 million annually for the company. Over a decade, the project could potentially bring in US$93 million in profits, while also increasing Harare’s daily water production to 520 million litres.
The contract, which was allegedly awarded without a tender process, tasks Helcraw with upgrading several key components of the city’s water system, including the Darwendale pump station, dewatering pumps, and raw water flow meters.
The company is chaired by ZANU PF legislator Farai Jere, though he denies any political influence in securing the deal, stating that it was awarded based on the company’s experience and proposals.
The project also includes the rehabilitation of Harare’s distribution network, with a budget of US$542.88 million. Notable investments include US$23 million for replacing 100km of piping, US$1.75 million for Alex pump station upgrades, and US$96 million for supplying prepaid water meters to 350,000 properties.
Helcraw’s Chinese partner, Hangzhou Laison Technology, will provide the necessary funding for the initiative, which is expected to be completed in 24 months. Jere stated that the project’s cost is still under negotiation, with ongoing meetings to finalize the figures.
Additionally, the company is set to build a US$20 million solar power plant to support the infrastructure improvements, which will also include a significant focus on wastewater infrastructure rehabilitation and the purchase of necessary plant equipment and vehicles.
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