Story by Owen Mandovha
A major public-private partnership is transforming water delivery in Harare, with residents of Ballantyne Park now receiving municipal water for the first time in more than two decades.
The milestone marks a significant step in the ongoing Harare Water Project, which is aimed at modernising the capital’s ageing water reticulation infrastructure and improving service delivery.
Under the initiative, more than 100 kilometres of old asbestos piping have been replaced with modern PVC pipes through a collaborative effort involving the Government, the City of Harare and Helcraw Water.
During a tour of the project in Ballantyne Park, Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Honourable Daniel Garwe commended the progress made.
He said the project reflects Government’s commitment to ensuring reliable and efficient service delivery.
“Government is determined to ensure seamless service delivery, and we are pleased that this project has resulted in the replacement of more than 100 kilometres of old asbestos pipes. We have also seen the successful rehabilitation of Morton Jaffray Waterworks,” he said.
For residents like Julia Brebner, the project has been life-changing.
Having lived in Ballantyne Park for over 20 years without access to municipal water, she said the return of reliable tap water was a welcome development.
“There were constant pipe bursts due to the old infrastructure, and since I built this house, I had never depended on City of Harare water. I am excited that we can now have safe and clean water that we can rely on,” she said.
Another resident, Nola Dollar, echoed similar sentiments, noting that households had long relied on boreholes and water bowsers.
Helcraw Water Chairperson Mr Farai Jere said the project has been well received by residents.
“We are seeing strong acceptance of the project, and residents are now able to pay only for what they use. Many are also requesting the installation of prepaid smart water meters,” he said.
To date, more than 40 000 smart water meters have been installed in suburbs including Warren Park, Aspindale and Avondale.
The initiative is expected to improve billing efficiency, reduce water losses and ensure sustainable water management across Harare.
As more suburbs are connected, the Harare Water Project is emerging as a model for infrastructure renewal through effective public-private collaboration.
