Some parts of Borrowdale are finally receiving water after nearly two decades of dry taps, as ongoing infrastructure works begin to ease long-standing supply challenges in the area.
Suburbs such as Rolf Valley and sections of Ballantyne Park, which had gone for close to 20 years without consistent water access, are now recording improved supply following upgrades to the city’s distribution system.
The developments come as the City of Harare intensifies rehabilitation works in partnership with Helcraw Water Private Limited, focusing on pipe replacement and modern metering systems to stabilise supply.
City of Harare Corporate Communications Manager Stanley Gama said the improvements mark progress in restoring water services, although challenges remain.
“We face some challenges with water supply due to pipe bursts and ageing infrastructure, but efforts are underway to address these issues,” said Gama.
He said the partnership with Helcraw is beginning to yield results across the water value chain.
“With the coming in of Helcraw, we are on upward trajectory in terms of water production and distribution. Together with Helcraw, we want to make sure that the whole value chain is attended to for the benefit of residents,” he said.
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Gama said major works are also underway at the city’s main treatment facility to boost output.
“Firstly, we are carrying out major repair works at Morton Jaffray Water Plant to make sure that we produce 520 mega litres a day. Then we are installing new water pipes and smart water meters,” he said.
He said the long-term solution lies in combining increased production with infrastructure renewal.
“We are simply saying that water production has to improve, old pipes have to be replaced and smart water meters have to be installed to make sure residents pay for only what they use,” he said.
According to Gama, the introduction of smart water meters is already contributing to more efficient water use.
“Water meters are also helping improve water supplies in the sense that residents are no longer using as much water as they used to before which means more water will be available to those who usually faced challenges getting it,” he said.
More than 45 000 smart water meters have so far been installed as part of the ongoing programme.
The gradual return of water in previously dry areas is expected to bring relief to residents who have relied on alternative sources for years, while authorities push to extend improvements to other parts of the city still facing shortages.
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