Harare Resident Sues City Over Helcraw Prepaid Water Meters

A Harare resident has launched a High Court challenge to halt the installation of prepaid water meters in the capital, alleging the program lacks a legal framework and violates constitutional rights to water. Bernadette Makaya, a Mabelreign ratepayer, filed the application against the City of Harare, Helcraw Water, and the Minister of Local Government, arguing that current municipal bylaws only authorize a post-paid billing system.

Why is the prepaid water system being challenged in court?

The core of the legal dispute rests on the compatibility of prepaid technology with existing Zimbabwean legislation. According to court filings by Bernadette Makaya, represented by Tinashe Chinopfukutwa of the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, the city’s current water distribution is governed by the 1913 Harare Water By-Laws and the Urban Councils Act. Makaya contends these statutes exclusively mandate a post-paid model where residents consume water before being billed. By moving to a prepaid system, she argues the City of Harare and its partner, Helcraw Water, are acting outside their statutory authority as defined under section 3 of the Administrative Justice Act.

How does the prepaid model affect residential water access?

The shift to prepaid metering fundamentally alters the relationship between the utility provider and the consumer. Makaya’s affidavit states that since the installation of a meter at her property in 2026, her water supply cuts off immediately when credit is exhausted. This mechanism bypasses traditional legal safeguards that typically require written notice before a service disconnection. Because the meter is housed in a locked black box, residents cannot verify their own consumption, relying instead on a digital indoor monitor to track credit. This lack of transparency, combined with the absence of a grace period, forms the basis of the claim that the city is effectively denying residents access to a basic human right.

What are the implications for urban utility management?

The outcome of this case could set a significant legal precedent for how local authorities manage utility upgrades. If the High Court rules in favor of the applicant, the city may be forced to suspend the rollout and potentially revert to legacy billing systems. This conflict highlights a growing friction between technological modernization in public utilities and the rigidity of colonial-era bylaws. While the city views prepaid meters as a way to ensure revenue collection, residents like Makaya argue that the lack of public consultation during the transition period undermines the legitimacy of the entire program.

Pro Tip: Monitoring Your Usage

If you reside in an area where prepaid meters are active, keep a close watch on your indoor monitor. Since the system does not provide the traditional “notice of disconnection,” you are responsible for maintaining a credit buffer to prevent sudden service interruptions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the prepaid water meter program legal?

The applicant, Bernadette Makaya, argues it is unlawful, claiming it violates the 1913 Harare Water By-Laws and the Urban Councils Act, which she asserts only allow for post-paid billing.

Who is responsible for the meter installations?

The installations are being carried out by the City of Harare in partnership with Helcraw Water, a company associated with Zanu PF legislator Farai Jere.

What happens if my water credit runs out?

According to the court application, the water supply is automatically disconnected without the written notice typically required by law for utility cut-offs.

Has the court made a final decision?

No. The application for an urgent order to stop the rollout is pending, and the case has not yet been heard by the High Court.

Have you experienced issues with new utility metering systems in your neighborhood? Share your thoughts in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for updates on this developing court case.