Helcraw Water Makes a Powerful First Impression at ZAS, Wins Top Urban Development Award

By Kudakwashe Ruzive

Helcraw Water has made a strong debut at the 116th Zimbabwe Agricultural Show (ZAS), winning the Best Affordable Housing and Urban Development Exhibit award in what was a highly competitive field on 28 August 2026.

For a first-time exhibitor, the recognition is significant. It was not a privilege or favour, but a reward for innovation, relevance and the strength of a solution designed to address one of Zimbabwe’s most persistent urban challenges water security.

Held under the theme “Powering Growth: Where Agriculture, Technology and Commerce Converge,” ZAS brought together businesses, government institutions and innovators showcasing solutions capable of driving national development.

Helcraw Water stood out by demonstrating that its project goes far beyond the installation of water meters.

Implemented in partnership with the City of Harare, the Helcraw Water Project combines smart prepaid water meters with the rehabilitation and replacement of ageing pipes, improved water treatment capacity, digital billing and water-management systems, GIS integration, customer support and enhanced fault reporting.

A major component is the modernisation of the Morton Jaffray Water Treatment Plant, supporting efforts to increase treatment capacity from approximately 350 million litres per day to 520 million litres per day.

The project also targets a reduction in non-revenue water from about 60 percent to 35 percent, while improving municipal revenue collection from approximately 48 percent to 90 percent.

If achieved, these targets could significantly improve water availability, municipal finances and the capacity to maintain and expand critical infrastructure.

Helcraw Water Managing Director Zodeck Muchoko said the award recognises the project’s wider vision.

“This award is not just about an exhibition stand. It is recognition of an innovative approach to solving a challenge that affects households, businesses and the entire economy.”

He said the company was focused on addressing the causes of water challenges rather than repeatedly responding to their consequences.

“Smart metering, modern infrastructure, improved treatment capacity and digital management must work together if we are to create a water system that can support a growing city.”

Beyond the award, ZAS has given Helcraw Water an important national platform to demonstrate its technology directly to residents, businesses, potential partners and other stakeholders.

Visitors have been able to see how smart prepaid meters work, understand the wider project and engage with solutions to water problems affecting communities. That exposure could prove valuable as Helcraw Water moves from project implementation towards a broader vision of technology-led urban water management.

The company’s future potential extends beyond Harare. If its targets are achieved, the model could offer lessons for other Zimbabwean cities and municipalities struggling with ageing infrastructure, water losses and weak revenue collection.

In that sense, Helcraw Water is positioning itself not simply as a water-metering company, but as a potential player in smart-city development, water infrastructure and municipal modernisation.

Muchoko said reliable water infrastructure must be viewed as an economic investment.

“You cannot talk about powering growth without talking about water. Agriculture needs water, industry needs water, businesses need water and households need reliable water.”

The message fits squarely into the spirit of ZAS: that technology and infrastructure must work together to unlock economic growth.

Helcraw Water’s first appearance at the national showcase has therefore delivered two victories a prestigious award and a powerful platform to introduce its vision to Zimbabwe. The real measure of that success, however, will ultimately be seen on the ground: more reliable water, lower losses, stronger municipal revenues and infrastructure capable of serving Harare for generations.

Helcraw Water is an urban water infrastructure and technology-focused company working through strategic partnerships to modernise water systems.

Its solutions combine smart metering, infrastructure rehabilitation, digital water management, treatment-capacity improvements and customer-focused services to support more efficient, accountable and sustainable urban water delivery.