By Correspondent
Government has become the biggest debtor for Harare City Council as it now owes it US$43 million.
This was revealed by the Council Water Director, Phakamile Mabhena Moyo who was appearing before a Parliamentary Portfolio Committee.
Mabhena said the financial challenges made pumping water difficult.
“Our demand is around 800 mega -litres a day versus a capacity production of 704 mega-litres a day and these are just connected areas.
“We have other areas not connected such as Caledonia, and Southern areas along Masvingo road.
“All the way to Chitungwiza taking our total demand to 1 200 mega-litres.
Council’s treatment capacity at Morton Jeffrey is currently 614 mega-litres per day.
Prince Edward is producing 90 mega-litres per day bringing the total to 704 mega-litres per day.
“With this total production, we are not able to meet our obligations and that is where ZINWA comes in,” he said.
Loxal Government Portfolio Committee Chairperson Supa Mandiwanzira echoed the same sentiments.
“We need government to pay its bills, we need residents of Harare to pay their bills.
“There are minus or plus 350 000 water metres in each household in Harare.
“This means, if each household was paying at least US$10 per month, we will be able to get at least USD3.5 million.
Mandiwanzira said such funds would be enough for Council to upgrade, buy spares and even buy more pumps.
Water shortages have become serious with dormitory towns such as Norton and Chitungwiza most affected.
One 2025 Budget Hearing in Norton was mainly centred on water as residents argued for a water plant in the town.
