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Remember Deketeke
Herald Reporter
THE Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, Harare City Council and private players have signed a potentially game-changing agreement that will see the capital city getting a new water treatment plant and smart meters to improve water supply to residents.
The deal involves the Local Government Ministry, the City of Harare, Hangzhou Laison Technology Company, and Helcraw Electrical.
At the signing ceremony in the capital yesterday, Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe said the Government was committed to enhancing the water supply chain countrywide.
“Water has become a critical issue, generating significant media interest. We are now taking action. Yesterday, we met with our investors to refine our tripartite partnership.”
Minister Garwe indicated that the Ministry and the City of Harare are taking decisive steps, as directed by President Mnangagwa, to deliver world-class services to residents by 2030.
He reassured the public that while technology may raise concerns about increased rates, it could actually lower delivery costs, aiming for globally effective solutions that ensure affordability.
“While technology often raises concerns about increased rates, we want to reassure the public that it can actually lower delivery costs. Our goal is to implement globally effective technology that ensures affordable, world-class services for everyone,” said Minister Garwe.
Harare Mayor Councillor Jacob Mafume highlighted the necessity of collaboration for the development of the capital city.
“A capital city cannot be built by the city alone; it requires the support of central Government and the private sector.”
He drew parallels with successful cities like Kigali in Rwanda and New Cairo in Egypt, underscoring the importance of synergies in meeting citizens’ needs and emphasising that water and sewage services transcend political affiliations.
“Cities we admire, like Kigali and New Cairo, were built through collaboration between municipalities and central Governments. We see no contradiction in working together to align with citizens’ needs”.
Mr Clark Dai, deputy managing director of Hangzhou Laison Technology, expressed enthusiasm for the project, saying their smart water management system will serve as a benchmark not only for Harare but for Southern Africa.
“We have developed a reliable, practical, and advanced system aimed at improving efficiency and addressing the challenges of non-buried water,” he said.
Mr Brendon Jere, chief executive officer of Helcraw Electrical, said the water plant, distribution, and billing system are part of a comprehensive plan to ensure water reaches all residents of Harare sustainably and intelligently.
This initiative signifies a collaborative effort to tackle critical water supply challenges in Harare, with the new water treatment plant expected to set a standard for similar projects across Southern Africa.
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