Access to clean and safe water is an undeniable human right, a precious resource that deserves the highest level of protection. However, the issue of unlawful water use poses a significant challenge to the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC), resulting in substantial revenue losses.
Water theft encompasses a range of illegal activities, such as unauthorized tapping into main water lines, meter tampering, meter reversal, illegal connections, and unauthorized reconnections. The consequences of these illicit actions are far-reaching, affecting both consumers and the corporation.
One of the most pressing concerns is the staggering financial toll that illegal water use takes on NWSC. Considerable resources are expended in detecting and addressing these unlawful practices. The revenue generated from customers paying their bills plays a crucial role in sustaining the quality of service NWSC provides.
Unapproved connections strain the water infrastructure and pose a risk to the water supply. This can lead to service interruptions, affecting various locations with no water access.
To combat this pressing issue, several proactive approaches can be adopted for instance; implementation of regular inspections of corporation infrastructure to identify potential vulnerabilities. Consistent checks on pipes and taps are essential in safeguarding the water supply. This, the corporation is doing, but could step it up a notch.
One could also launch frequent public awareness campaigns to educate consumers about the consequences of illegal water use and the benefits of responsible water usage.
Legal Measures and Collaboration; Instituting legal measures to penalize illegal water users, collaborating closely with law enforcement agencies to investigate and take action against those guilty of this practice as well as cooperation with communities and local authorities is crucial in resolving this issue collectively. Impressively, NWSC is already on this path collaborating with Uganda Police as well as the Utility Court Division.
One could also employ advanced metering technology to identify abnormal water usage patterns and meter interference, facilitating the early detection of illegal use.
Leveraging data analytics to pinpoint areas with high instances of illegal water use is a strategic approach that may enable NWSC to allocate resources effectively in the fight against water theft.
After all is said and done, reducing illegal water use definitely alleviates the financial burden on NWSC, and also contributes to environmental protection. By embracing cutting-edge technology, collaborating with law enforcement and local authorities, and raising public awareness, the corporation can minimize revenue losses and safeguard this critical resource, ultimately preserving clean water for generations to come.
