The Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL), has introduced a new billing and payment system for water consumers, which is currently being piloted in selected areas.
According to the company, the new system is an improvement on its old billing and payment system, where in most instances, bills pile up before they are sent to customers for payment.
The company says it will now make use of technology by billing customers through text messages and emails.
How will it work
Communications Manager at the GWCL, Stanley Martey, told Citi News on Monday, that from 1st June, 2016, GWCL meter readers will be capturing customer consumption data with a hand-held android device equipped with a software which already has customers’ data comprising, the customer’s name, phone number, customer’s last captured consumption data, customer’s geographical location and other relevant information.
“The system will calculate customer’s water consumption and automatically send them their corresponding bill via text message (SMS) and or e-mail. Customers are therefore required to make available to GWCL, two reliable cell phone numbers each and email addresses if possible, to receive their bills.’’
He added, “once customers receive their bills via the text message or e-mail, they are to make payment by purchasing a “Ghana Water” payment scratch card from any GWCL collection or customer service point, authorized vendors or designated points within the communities and pay their water bills. Disconnection teams have been setup to disconnect all customers who default in paying their bills promptly. Re-connection will only be effected after the payment of all arrears and penalty (re-connection fee). Comprehensive GPS-based monitoring system has been put in place to check all malpractices against the Ghana Water Company Limited, including illegal connections, meter by-passes.”
Currently, the new billing and payment system, is being piloted within some areas like Kpone, Ashaiman, Spintex, Baatsonaa, Sakumono, Kpong Akuse, and Tema New Town within the Tema region.
Upon successful implementation in the Tema region, it will eventually be scaled up to cover the whole country.
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By: Pearl Akanya Ofori/citifmonline.com/Ghana
Follow @pearlakanya