In its steadfast pursuit of equitable water provision in underserved areas and informal settlements, the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) has taken a path marked by commendable achievements. Committed to its core mission of ensuring universal access to clean safe water and sanitation, NWSC has instituted various initiatives, including Public StandPipes (PSPs) and prepaid meters, locally referred to as “amazzi ag’akasumuluzo,” which have significantly elevated community water access, tariff flexibility, and overall service quality.
However, the adoption of prepaid metering encountered obstacles, such as battery malfunctions and token loading complexities. Responding to these challenges, NWSC has taken a proactive approach by integrating the Susteq metering system. This innovative solution harnesses solar power to mitigate battery-related issues while fortifying accountability and security by linking tokens to individual customer profiles.
To expedite the ongoing registration process, a collaborative steering committee comprising NWSC personnel, representatives from SUSTEQ and VAMBECO, and I.T specialists convened at NWSC’s Kampala Water region headquarters-Jinja Road. Deliberations centered on refining registration protocols, integrating mobile payment platforms, synchronizing data across systems, and combating token theft. The focal point was to empower NWSC with the capability to swiftly block unauthorized token usage upon customer complaints and incorporate a robust payment mechanism.
A key feature of the Susteq system is its ability to display dispensed water volumes and validate token or monetary units, ensuring transparency and precision in water consumption tracking. These initiatives collectively aim to facilitate a seamless transition to the new metering system, thereby augmenting service delivery standards.
Markedly, the committee unanimously endorsed the commencement of comprehensive training sessions scheduled for technical personnel, branch managers, billing teams, and IT staff next week. These training endeavors are designed to equip them with the necessary expertise and proficiency for the successful implementation of Susteq meters.
