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ZINWA tariffs increases unjustified
Combined Harare Residents Association (CHRA)
October 03, 2007

The Combined Harare Residents Association (CHRA) is dismayed at the recent rates increases by the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA). The water tariffs have been increased from $3596, 20 per cubic meter to $23 765, 63 backdated to August 1 2007. The increases have resulted in residents receiving ballooned bills. The authority claims that it has passed the cost of water treatment to the consumer to ensure viability.

CHRA offices were this month inundated with calls from residents who had received bills ranging from $4 million and $20 million. CHRA inquired with ZINWA and they claim that residents are either leaving their taps leaking leading to high bills or there are typing errors. Residents however maintain that ZINWA officials do not read meters but estimate figures.

The Association is concerned at the state of water services delivery by ZINWA. The water authority has failed to provide adequate and clean water supplies to most parts of Harare. Residents in Mabvuku have gone for several months without tape water while other areas are reeling under heavy water cuts. In Bulawayo the situation is even more desperate with residents experiencing one week water cuts.

The water situation in Harare has led to disease outbreaks like Cholera and Dysentery. There is no hope that the situation will improve as ZINWA has no capacity to delivery quality water services. ZINWA does not have the technical and financial capacity to provide the service. The tariffs increases are therefore unjustified considering that residents have not been receiving constant clean water supplies.

The Association will be holding capacity building workshops which will cover various thematic areas. The problem of water will also be covered under these thematic areas. Residents will discuss and find options on how to respond to the water crisis. There have been delegations representing various Harare districts that have approached ZINWA. The authority claims that they have capacity to provide adequate treated water. CHRA continues to fight and advocate for quality municipal and other services in the City of Harare. Residents remain the major stakeholders in the fight for accountable, transparent and effective local government.

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