100k properties to get smart metres this year

Leading smart metering supplier Private Utilities Company (PUC) has installed 1051 smart meters at Millennium Heights, which was recently launched by President Mnangagwa, Aspindale Park, Arlington Estates, and Knightsbridge under the proof of concept phase which is now going full commercial. This 2024, at least 100,000 properties nationwide are expected to be connected to smart meters as part of the National Development Strategy (NDS) collaboration involving the private sector, local authorities, and the government. PUC's chief executive officer, Mr. Francis Chitanda, stated that the organization has collaborated with developers to expand its stable income sources outside of the sale of properties and stands. "There are currently 1051 meters linked in private developments, none with municipalities, and by 2024, we hope to have both gas and water meters connected in 20,000 homes owned by private developers," he stated. "We will also be starting a smart city pilot project with the city of Masvingo at the beginning of 2024, for gas and water metering. We are also targeting thirty thousand municipal water meter connections. By late 2025, we want to link 100,000 people nationwide. PUC's chief executive officer, Mr. Francis Chitanda, stated that the organization has collaborated with developers to expand its stable income sources outside of the sale of properties and stands. "There are currently 1051 meters linked in private developments, none with municipalities, and by 2024, we hope to have both gas and water meters connected in 20,000 homes owned by private developers," he stated. "We will also be starting a smart city pilot project with the city of Masvingo at the beginning of 2024, for gas and water metering. We are also targeting thirty thousand municipal water meter connections. By late 2025, we want to link 100,000 people nationwide. In order to meet the goals, the government has pledged to create an atmosphere that encourages larger Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) to participate in the housing supply. The private sector has several opportunities to design, fund, and carry out infrastructure development projects as well as build new smart cities surrounding large towns and cities. Water bodies, green energy sources, sewage treatment facilities, off-site infrastructure gaps, and green spaces are places where the public and private sectors can collaborate. Liquid petroleum gas (LPG), according to Mr. Chitanda, should be delivered to a residence via pipes, just like water, and used through a smart metered system, much like electricity. "Without the resident or developer contributing additional funds, the smart meters will enable revenue collection and provide funds for ongoing maintenance of the water infrastructure," he stated. Controlled borehole drilling has an additional advantage for the environment since it helps maintain the water table as opposed to each home drilling for water. Additionally, smart meters will prevent homeowners from having to buy pricey bulk water by doing away with the need for the little storage tanks that are installed in each home.