Anchua Naruseb

Lüderitz Town Council introduced new pre-paid water meters to the town’s residents, which will replace the conventional meters. The newly-introduced pre-paid water meters are said to be easier to operate while still being affordable, according to the town council’s spokesperson, Elwin !Gaoseb.

“The primary purpose of the pre-paid water meters was meant as a revenue protection method whilst ensuring council remains fluid, equally safeguarding our residents from huge debt ratios,” explained !Gaoseb. The council has thus far acquired 600 units as part of its installation implementation phase.

According to !Gaoseb, a notable difference in revenue has already been recorded since the installation of the meters. “They have been installed, and a significant increase in revenue has been recorded since the installation of these pre-paid water meters. All conventional water meters will be replaced with pre-paid water meters within the entire town – safe to say – apart from heavy industries that are classified as bulk users,” !Gaoseb added.

The pre-paid water meter will be operating with a customer interface unit, according to the town’s water division supervisor, Heikki Nuuyoma. Nuuyoma explains that it will be easier when it comes to topping up credit and monitoring the pre-paid meter remotely. “One can purchase water at the finance department or one of our vendor’s stations. You can also purchase water the same as you would electricity through cell phone banking,” explained Heikki.

According to Nuuyoma, on these customer interface units, residents will be notified of water leakages, information on the valve as well as monitor the litres of water remaining in the meter.