With the aim of countering the persistent issues of disconnection and metering errors leading to significant water loss, Kampala Water (KW) Heads of Section convened a technical meeting at their Jinja road offices earlier today, December 11th, 2023. The meeting aimed to address anomalies identified in a recent field audit exercise on manually read meters conducted over the last three days of the month.
The comprehensive report presented by Ms. Sharon Asiimwe from the billing and data management department shed light on critical concerns. Among the 367 accounts examined, 11 were found not to be updated, 8 displayed incorrect meter serial numbers, 75 still registered zero consumption, and 51 exhibited anomalies. This data pointed towards a range of challenges, including improper disconnections and opportunities for customers to access water without payment.
To tackle these issues head-on, the Information Technology Manager, Mr. Tony Ssekate, outlined innovative initiatives during the meeting. While acknowledging that the system is operational, he highlighted the need for adjustments to address specific technical glitches affecting meter reading accuracy.
In response to the escalating challenges, the Acting General Manager, Dr. Nicholas Mwebaze, assigned Mr. Ssekate the crucial task of crafting a comprehensive document outlining areas that require attention to bring the electronic meter reading system up to date. Dr. Mwebaze underscored the importance of embracing field visits and gleaning valuable lessons to formulate holistic solutions that contribute to regional growth and development.
The meeting concluded with each department outlining their upcoming initiatives. These initiatives encompassed tasks such as monitoring the water supply of hotels slated to host delegates for two upcoming summits in Uganda, installing a generator in Kitiko, and finalizing works at the Kamuli project, among other pivotal undertakings.
As the KW Heads of Section take proactive steps towards technological improvements, the future holds promise for a more streamlined and effective water supply system in the KW region.
