SYDNEY SAIZE IN MUTARE
The Mutare City Council has called on residents and other customers to replace outdated water meters as it seeks to end the dispute over bills.
Those that will replace their obsolete meters will get full compensation, the authority said in a latest notice to residents.
Notice is hereby given to all City of Mutare customers and stakeholders with obsolete water meters that the council resolved at its 1300th full council meeting to allow customers who have financial capacity to replace obsolete water meters on their properties in lieu of compensation for the purchase price, provided it does not exceed specified thresholds.”
The Council added that the price thresholds and recommended suppliers for the water meters would be jointly provided by the acting finance director, Blessing Chafesuka and City engineer, Maxwell Karenyi.
“All those who wish to purchase replacement (as well as new) water meters should visit the city engineer’s office from February 1, 2023 to obtain the correct specifications of the approved water meters acceptable to council.
“Upon purchasing the water meter, the associated cost will be credited to the customer’s account. Customers are urged to take advantage of this opportunity to replace their obsolete water meters,” it said.
The Council’s move comes in the wake of mounting disputes over estimated water bills from residents and the business community.
Council spokesperson Spren Mutiwi said the replacement of the old water meters would reduce disputes with customers on estimated water bills, adding that the replacement of non-functional water meters other than that which has become obsolete remains the customer’s responsibility while observing set specifications.
David Mutambirwa of the Mutare Residents and Ratepayers Association, welcomed the development which he said would ensure residents pay for what they would have consumed.
He however lamented the cost of the new required water meters which he said is above what some residents can afford.
“We applaud the council for the move but it should be noted that some residents cannot afford these water meters which I believe cost above US$50.
