By Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
At first glance, a gospel festival and a water infrastructure company might seem an unlikely pairing. But at this year’s Ekhaya Worship Festival, held on May 25 at Hartsfield Rugby Stadium, business and belief flowed together like water through a new pipeline.
Helcraw Water, a Harare-based firm specialising in water treatment, supply, and distribution systems, was among the exhibitors at the festival’s Business Expo. And for Managing Director Mr. Zodeck Muchoko, the gospel stage turned out to be a surprisingly strategic boardroom.
National Brand, Continental Vision
Asked whether Helcraw was exhibiting as a local SME or a national brand, Mr. Muchoko was unequivocal.
“Under the Africa Day 2026 theme, ‘Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063,’ and guided by our vision to be the leading innovative service provider in the treatment, supply and distribution of clean and safe water in Africa, Helcraw Water is exhibiting as a national brand with a growing regional vision,” he said.
He added that the company remains committed to supporting Zimbabwe’s infrastructure development through innovative, sustainable water solutions that contribute to Africa’s long-term goals.
57,973 Meters and Counting
So what exactly does Helcraw Water do?
“Helcraw Water specialises in water infrastructure development, rehabilitation, treatment, supply, and distribution systems,” Mr. Muchoko explained. “Right now, we are in a PPP with the City of Harare.”
The project includes a massive pipe replacement programme. “We are removing old asbestos and cement pipes and putting in durable PVC. Our target is 500 km in the next three years,” he said.
In addition, the company is rehabilitating the Morton Jaffray Water Treatment Works, aiming to boost production from 350 to 520 megalitres. Complementing that is a rollout of smart prepaid water meters.
“We are targeting 320,000 meters in the next three years. To date, we have installed 57,973 prepaid water meters across Harare and replaced 37 kilometres of asbestos and cement pipes with PVC.”
Faith as a Business Platform
When asked whether faith-based events are becoming genuine business opportunities in Zimbabwe, Mr. Muchoko answered without hesitation.
“Yes, faith-based events are increasingly becoming important business and networking platforms in Zimbabwe. They bring together communities, corporates, entrepreneurs, and service providers, creating opportunities for engagement, partnerships, brand visibility, and economic activity.”
At Ekhaya, he said, the expo has allowed Helcraw to “interact directly with the public, engage potential partners, and educate people about sustainable water infrastructure and smart water management solutions.”
He noted strengthened brand visibility and community engagement, adding: “We have showcased milestones such as the installation of 57,973 prepaid water meters, the laying of 37km of pipeline infrastructure across Harare, and our positive works at Morton Jaffary.”
Growing Public Interest
Has the company seen increased interest from attendees over the years?
“Yes, there has been noticeable growth in public interest, especially around smart prepaid water meters and infrastructure rehabilitation projects,” Mr. Muchoko said. “More people are now appreciating the importance of efficient water systems, sustainable service delivery, and modern technologies being implemented across Harare.”
Gospel Events and the Local Economy
Finally, does he believe gospel events can contribute meaningfully to the local economy?
“Absolutely,” he said. “Gospel and faith-based events stimulate economic activity through tourism, accommodation, transport, food services, exhibitions, and local business participation. They also create platforms where businesses and communities can connect in a positive and impactful environment.”
As the choirs sang and the crowds worshipped at Ekhaya, Helcraw Water proved that even the most practical of industries—pipes, meters, and treatment plants—has a place at the table. And in this economy, that’s a message worth preaching.
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