In an ambitious move to enhance water management and improve customer experience, Water Utilities Corporation (WUC) has embarked on a project to install 35,000 smart prepaid water meters across households in Gaborone.
The initiative, which is aimed at modernising the city’s water distribution system, is set to be completed within the next six months. The project officially kicked off in Block 8, where nearly 200 households have already been connected to the newly introduced smart meters. These advanced devices are expected to offer customers better control over their water usage and spending, as well as assist WUC in monitoring consumption patterns more efficiently. Speaking at a consultative meeting with stakeholders, Mothusi Madi, the lead engineer of the project, expressed confidence in the rollout. He noted that the smart meters would help address issues related to water wastage and unpaid bills, which have been a challenge under the conventional metering system. “The introduction of smart prepaid meters marks a significant step forward in how we manage water resources in Gaborone.
These meters will empower consumers by providing real-time data on their water usage, allowing them to make informed decisions and avoid unexpectedly high bills,” Madi explained. The smart meters operate on a prepaid system, similar to the ones used for electricity, where users can purchase water credits in advance. This setup is designed to encourage responsible water usage and reduce the financial strain on households by preventing the accumulation of large, unforeseen water bills. WUC plans to expand the installation to other parts of Gaborone in the coming months, with a target of completing the project by early next year. The Corporation has urged residents to cooperate with installation teams and familiarise themselves with the new system to ensure a smooth transition. This development is part of WUC’s broader strategy to leverage technology in improving service delivery and resource management in response to the growing demand for water in Botswana’s urban areas.
