Harare’s long‑beleaguered water network has achieved a dramatic turnaround, with city officials confirming a sharp, sustained drop in leakages across high‑density suburbs following the full deployment of Helcraw’s integrated four‑pillar water management system.
Data from the City of Harare’s Water and Sanitation Department reveals an 18 percent reduction in non‑revenue water losses over the past quarter in suburbs including Mbare, Kuwadzana, Glen View and Budiriro, one of the most significant declines in over a decade.
The transformation is attributed to Helcraw’s comprehensive system, built on four key pillars now operational across the city.
The system includes a smart prepaid water meters enabling payment for actual usage.
A massive pipe replacement programme covering over 6 400 km of aging lines.
Helcraw has deployed dedicated support service vehicles for rapid maintenance.
"Critical upgrades at Morton Jaffray Water Works, lifting capacity from 350 to 520 megalitres daily," stated Helcraw.
Together, these measures have shifted Harare’s approach from reactive repairs to proactive, data‑driven management. Early leak detection, continuous pressure monitoring and faster field response have drastically cut losses of treated water.
Related Stories
“This is a fundamental shift in how we manage our infrastructure
“We are now preventing leaks before they escalate. Every litre saved is immediately redistributed into the supply network, which is why residents are already experiencing longer hours of water availability," said an Engineer with the local authoritiy.
Harare Mayor, Councillor Jacob Mafume, hailed the results as proof that targeted investment in modern systems delivers immediate impact.
“For years, precious treated water has been disappearing underground.
“This significant reduction in losses is not just a statistic, it is water flowing back into the taps of our residents. Helcraw’s four‑pillar system is helping us reclaim control of the network," said Mayor Mafume.
Residents in the pilot suburbs report noticeable, if gradual, improvements.
“We now sometimes get a morning trickle, which we had nott seen for years. “It is perfect, because we no longer spend less time at the borehole," said Michael Chidemo of Glen View 3.
While acknowledging the progress, officials emphasize that the system marks a first phase toward full network rehabilitation, with much of the pipe infrastructure still aged and vulnerable.
“But this 18 percent reduction is a vital start. .“It proves that applying modern technology and structured investment can yield immediate wins. Our goal is to expand this system city‑wide because every drop saved is a drop supplied," Mayor Mafume.
Leave Comments