Staff Reporter

Government has approved the privatisation of urban water provision, aiming to address chronic water challenges affecting major cities.

Speaking at a press briefing in Harare yesterday, the Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Daniel Garwe emphasised the importance of private sector participation in modernising water infrastructure.

“We are embarking on a comprehensive approach to improve water delivery in urban areas. This involves inviting local and international private players to handle the entire water value chain, from purification and distribution to billing and metering. The ultimate goal is to provide sustainable water solutions that meet the needs of our growing urban population,” said Minister Garwe.

Minister Garwe confirmed that five proposals had been received so far, with three coming from international investors and two from local entities.

 “We are carefully reviewing these proposals to ensure that the selected partners have the capacity and expertise to deliver on this critical mandate. Interviews and the selection process will be completed next week,” he added.

The initiative will initially focus on Harare, Bulawayo, and Victoria Falls, with progress expected by late January or early February 2025.

Highlighting key water sources for Harare, Minister Garwe said, “Muchekeranwa Dam is operational, and the Kunzvi Dam project is progressing well. These will be critical in ensuring reliable water supply for areas like Melfort, Goromonzi, Ruwa, Mabvuku, and Zimre Park.”

Harare Mayor, Jacob Mafume expressed support for the privatisation plan, citing the city’s ageing infrastructure as a major obstacle.

 “Our water systems are outdated and require significant investment. Partnering with private players will bring the modernisation and efficiency we urgently need,” Mafume stated.

Economic analyst, John Mutswiri commented that the privatisation effort could attract the much-needed financial and technical resources to deliver sufficient safe water to residents of Harare and other major urban centres.

“Private sector involvement can lead to the adoption of advanced technologies, such as smart water metering, which would reduce losses and improve billing accuracy,” he explained.

However, Mutswiri cautioned against potential pitfalls.

Mutswiri warned, “Government must establish strict regulatory frameworks to prevent exploitation and ensure that water remains accessible to all citizens.”

Urban planning expert, Grace Mandizha added, “International involvement could foster knowledge transfer and enhance long-term sustainability if managed transparently.”

With ageing infrastructure and population growth straining urban water systems, Government is optimistic that privatisation will transform water provision into a reliable and efficient service for millions of residents.

The planned privatisaton initiative also comes against a background of recurrent outbreaks of water-borne diseases such as cholera in urban centres like Harare following the urban local authorities’ failure to provide water to the residents. Harare’s eastern suburbs such as Mabvuku and Tafara have been the worst affected as they have gone for over a decade without municipal water.