Performance Based Water Loss Management for Gweru, Zimbabwe

Abstract

Different water utilities use different performance indicators to assess their performance. Although these indicators are peculiar to particular situations, it is paramount that each indicator is applied consistently among utilities as this is good for benchmarking purposes. Besides being well documented, performance indicators have not been well reviewed from the perspective of developing countries. Furthermore, there is limited understanding of the application of performance indicators among developing countries. Therefore this paper reviewed performance indicators for physical water loss management. The African Development Bank self-assessment matrix was applied to the City of Gweru, Zimbabwe. Furthermore, the infrastructure leakage index was used to assess the performance of the water utility. The self-assessment approach showed a 62% level of implementation of NRW strategies by the city. This means that the city was poorly managing its non-revenue water. The city had an infrastructure leakage index of 9.7. This index is in Category C of the International Water Association physical loss matrix meaning that the city was managing its non-revenue water poorly. Therefore the city must be proactive in the management of its physical water losses as well as maintain its infrastructure consistently.