Decentralised urban water supply and sanitation services have been practised in Zimbabwe since the 1890s. Urban WSS services were built on revenues from urban consumers and provided by local authorities through their water and sewerage departments. With time, urban authorities took on roads, storm water drainage, electricity and social services that included schools, health and other community services.
Twenty nine percent (29%) of Zimbabweans live in urban areas. Urbanization is increasing at a rate of almost 4% per year. Urban areas are local government entities defined by the Urban Councils Act into 32 units comprising 7 cities, 9 municipalities, 11 town councils and 5 local boards.