THE Welshman Ncube-led MDC has joined hands with civic groups and residents associations in resisting the planned installation of pre-paid water meters by local authorities. NQOBANI NDLOVU STAFF REPORTER
The MDC said the intended roll-out of the programme is capitalist, saying history has shown that such initiatives are only meant to finance expensive lifestyles of local authority executives.
The Bulawayo City Council is already piloting the project in Cowdray Parks’ Hlalani Kuhle area, while other local authorities have indicated plans to follow suit.
Ngqabutho Mabhena, the MDC secretary for water and energy, said pre-paid water meters will only result in outbreaks of waterborne diseases, as the majority, already struggling to make ends meet, will have no access to the precious liquid.
“The majority of our people will not be able to afford to buy adequate water for their daily needs, as they are already grappling with the declining economy.
“It is, therefore, inevitable that this will lead to an outbreak of diseases like cholera and dysentery, as some people will be forced to resort to unsafe open water sources for their daily use,” Mabhena said on Saturday.
The council has vowed to forge ahead with the exercise despite resistance from residents associations that have staged protests against the installation of the devices. The local authority defends the gadgets as a necessary water management system that will force people to pay up before accessing water.
Mabhena said history has shown that such programmes are meant to ensure executives continue enjoying comfy lifestyles.
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“It is unfortunate that history has taught us that the money they intend to collect through this exercise will not be used to develop water infrastructure, but to finance the expensive lifestyles of the local authority executives,” he said.
“It is disappointing that over the years, the responsible ministry, through local authorities has failed dismally to ensure constant supply of water to residents and now instead of coming up with plausible measures to address water shortages in our cities, they want to embark on a fundraising mission, fleecing residents out of the very little money that they have.”
Mabhena said: “Until such a time that local authorities can fully convince the people of Zimbabwe how the pre-paid water system will benefit citizens my party will continue to work with progressive residents associations to fight for their right to water.”
