Eswatini Water Services Corporation (EWSC) has officially commenced the phased rollout of its Prepaid Metering Project. Launched in March, the Prepaid Metering Project is a strategic initiative aimed at modernising water service delivery in Eswatini through a pay-as-you-use model. Unlike the traditional postpaid billing system, prepaid metering enables customers to manage their water usage in real-time, promoting responsible consumption and improved household budgeting.
Over the next five years, the Corporation plans to transition all residential connections to the prepaid system by the end of the 2029/30 financial year.
Understanding your prepaid water meter
A prepaid water smart meter works similarly to a prepaid electricity plan. You pay in advance for your water usage by loading credit onto your account. As you consume water, the meter deducts the credit in real time. This means you can easily see how much you’re spending, and when your balance gets low, you can quickly top it up to ensure uninterrupted water supply. This system helps you manage your budget more effectively by allowing you to keep track of your water expenses in real time. You won’t have any surprise bills at the end of the month because you’re paying for your water ahead of time. Overall, a prepaid smart meter gives you greater control and transparency over your water usage and expenses.
Understanding your water management device
This prepaid metering model comes with a remote-like gadget called the Customer Interface Unit (CIU), which customers will use to load tokens. Customers will not be required to go to the prepaid water meter outside to load tokens or check units balance; all interactions happen conveniently through the CIU! The CIU can be placed anywhere inside your house, linking to the meter via a secure encrypted radio communication. The CIU indicates the credit remaining on the meter and facilitates the loading of a 20 digit prepaid credit tokens.
