Harare’s leading service delivery agencies convened with residents at the Zimbabwe National Organisation of Associations of Residents Trust (ZNOART) interface meeting last Friday at Westlea Gardens in Harare, setting a new standard for transparency and citizen engagement under the 2026 theme, “Citizen-Centric Service Delivery: Putting Residents First.”
The event saw robust participation from Geo Pomona Waste Management, Vehicle Inspection Department (VID), City of Harare Protocol, Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA), Helcraw Water, Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC), City Health Environmental Health, Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC), Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe, and the Environment Management Agency (EMA).
The highlight of the meeting was an in-depth session on Helcraw Water’s smart prepaid water meter project, which has already reached over 3,400 households in Warren Park, Westlea and Rydale Ridge. Residents pressed for clarity on billing, affordability, and the technology’s impact on their daily lives.
Eng. Zivanai Tembo, Helcraw Water Project Manager, addressed the crowd:
Eng Zivanai Tembo
“The smart prepaid water meters are designed to empower residents. You purchase water credits in advance, just like with electricity. This eliminates estimated bills and puts you in control—no more surprise disconnections by the city. If your credit runs out, you can top up instantly using mobile platforms like OneMoney, EcoCash, or Telecash, right from your home. We are also working to ensure that vulnerable groups are not left behind, and the first five cubic metres are charged at the lowest rate to promote affordability.”
He further explained the technical features:
“We have already installed over 3,400 meters in the pilot suburbs and replaced nearly 5,000 kilometres of old pipes with modern PVC, ensuring clean, safe water. The meters also detect leaks and send alerts, so both residents and the city can act quickly to save water and money.”
Residents welcomed the end of estimated billing and the convenience of mobile payments, but some raised concerns about the risk of self-disconnection for those unable to pay. Eng. Tembo reassured:
“We recognise water as a constitutional right. The prepaid system is about responsible use and shared accountability. We are working with the City of Harare to ensure that no one is unfairly cut off, and that support mechanisms are in place for those in need.”
Geo Pomona Waste Management was lauded for its transformative role in cleaning up Harare. The company highlighted the deployment of over 400 street sweepers and a new fleet of refuse collection vehicles.
Mr Shalvar Chikomba, ZNOART National Chairperson, commended the company:
“Geo Pomona has set a new standard for waste management in Harare. The streets are cleaner, illegal dumpsites are disappearing, and the risk of diseases like cholera is down. This is what happens when service providers are accountable and residents play their part.”
Residents echoed this praise, noting the visible improvements in refuse collection and urban cleanliness.
The highlight of the meeting was an in-depth session on Helcraw Water’s smart prepaid water meter project, which has already reached over 3,400 households in Warren Park, Westlea and Rydale Ridge. Residents pressed for clarity on billing, affordability, and the technology’s impact on their daily lives.
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