Shurugwi completes water meter first phase

SHURUGWI Town Council has completed the first phase of the pre-paid water meter project aimed at boosting revenue collection.

Council chairman Mr Tsungai Makore said the local authority has rolled out 500 water meters in the Central Business District (CBD) and some households to the tune of $180 000. He said each pre-paid water unit came at a cost of $360.

“We have started and completed the first phase of the pre-paid water meter project which is aimed at boosting our revenue inflows. As we speak we have installed 500 pre-paid water meters in the CBD and some households at a cost of $180 000,” said Mr Makore.

He said council would recoup the cost of the meters from residents through a $2 surcharge every month.

“We have earmarked to install 5 400 meters by year end. We expect to increase monthly revenue from water bills from $25 000 to $162 000,” said Mr Makore.

He said the council would use the smart meters to collect arrears from businesses.

Mr Makore said after the completion of the second phase, council expected to double the revenue it collects from water bills.

He said the Unki Mine Housing Project at Impali Source Farm where more than 300 houses are set to be commissioned soon, already has prepaid water meters. — @pchitumba1.