24/09/2026
Hwange Residents Left Without Water Amid Prepaid Meter Battery Concerns
HWANGE — Some residents in Hwange are reportedly facing challenges accessing water despite having paid for it, following problems with prepaid water meters managed by the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA).
In recent months, many residents have moved from the traditional water billing system to prepaid water meters. The system allows residents to purchase water in advance and access it based on the amount they have paid for. The prepaid system has also been welcomed by some residents as a way of encouraging responsible water usage while enabling ZINWA to collect water revenue.
However, concerns have emerged over the administration and maintenance of some of the meters, with affected residents reporting that certain meters are no longer functioning properly.
Chill Hwange spoke to one affected resident who said he reported that his meter was not allowing water to reach his residence. According to the resident, ZINWA officials inspected the meter and informed him that it had run out of power and required replacement batteries.
The resident said he was advised that new batteries would be delivered within a few days.
However, more than a week later, the batteries had reportedly not been replaced, leaving the resident without access to water.
The situation has raised concerns among residents who say they should not be left without water after paying for the service.
The affected residents are now calling for ZINWA to address the meter-related challenges and ensure that prepaid water meters are promptly maintained when faults are reported.
For residents who have already paid for their water, the issue goes beyond affordability. it is about being able to access a service they have already paid for.
Chill Hwange understands that water supply remains a critical service, and residents affected by the prepaid meter challenges are calling for urgent intervention.
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Chill Hwange has not independently verified the availability or shortage of replacement batteries from ZINWA. ZINWA’s response to the concerns had not been obtained at the time of publication.
