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Harare residents have strongly opposed the government’s push to privatise water services, warning that the move will primarily benefit politically connected elites while exposing ordinary citizens to dire health risks. The Local Government Ministry is advocating for the transfer of the council-owned Morton Jaffray Water Treatment Plant to a private company, a decision that has sparked outrage among residents and civil society groups.
The Harare Residents Trust (HRT) and the Combined Harare Residents Association (CHRA) have issued a strong statement condemning what they see as unwarranted government interference in local governance. According to the associations, this decision will strip the city council of its ability to manage revenue and limit public access to clean water.
“We view this as a well-calculated tactic to transfer key local government responsibilities, such as water service provision, to politically connected elites. Local authorities should have the freedom and authority to make decisions, manage their jurisdictions, and generate revenue without interference,” the statement reads.
The Ministry of Local Government has defended the move, arguing that it is a necessary step due to the city’s failure to deliver adequate water services. As part of the project, 650,000 prepaid water meters will be installed in major cities. However, residents remain skeptical, pointing to the previous failed prepaid water metering initiative as evidence that the real motive behind the scheme is not service improvement but profit for a select few.
“This raises more questions than answers, leaving uncertainty about whether the goal is to create opportunities for politically connected individuals or to genuinely improve water services. We emphasize that installing prepaid water meters will not address the root governance issues that have long undermined water service delivery in Harare,” the statement continues.
Concerns have also been raised over the potential health risks posed by privatising water services. With many Harare residents already struggling to access clean and affordable water, the imposition of prepaid meters could leave thousands without access to this essential resource, further exacerbating the city’s public health challenges.
“This forced privatisation of water services poses significant public health risks and endangers human lives,” residents warned.
Adding to the controversy, the residents’ associations accused Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume of championing the water privatisation agenda without consulting citizens or obtaining full council approval.
“Regrettably, rather than engaging in a consultative process, the Harare Mayor has taken a leading role in facilitating the takeover of water services without involving citizens or securing full council resolutions.”
With public opposition mounting, residents fear that the privatisation of Harare’s water services will ultimately fail, resulting in wasted public funds and exposing the city to an even deeper crisis. As the government presses ahead with its plans, the question remains: will this move truly improve water service delivery, or is it yet another scheme designed to enrich a privileged few at the expense of the people?
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