Lumezi district 100 percent water metering cheer residents
EWSC Technical Manager December Banda told the Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS) that water metering is a cardinal component that ensures customers only pay for the amount of water they consume.
Eastern Water and Sanitation Company (EWSC) Technical Manager, Mr. December Banda
By Patrick Soko, Lumezi district, Eastern Province
Eastern Water and Sanitation Company (EWSC) has achieved 100 percent water metering in Lumezi District of Eastern Province, a move aimed at ensuring fair billing and reducing non-revenue water.
EWSC Technical Manager December Banda told the Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS) that water metering is a cardinal component that ensures customers only pay for the amount of water they consume.
Mr. Banda explained that the metering initiative protects both the customer and the utility by eliminating estimated or fixed billing, which can disadvantage consumers.
“The essence of metering is to ensure that customers pay for the correct amount of water they use and that the company does not take advantage of them through fixed billing,” he said.
He added that the public has welcomed the intervention, noting an overwhelming response from residents seeking water connections.
Meanwhile, residents of Lumezi have praised the introduction of water meters, saying the move promotes sustainable and responsible water usage.
Eliana Ndelemani, a landlady of Lumezi sub-centre, said the metering system is more efficient and fair compared to fixed billing.
“With meters, we will be charged fairly. If you use more water, you pay more, and if you use less, you pay less, which is a good thing compared to being charged the same despite using the commodity differently,” she said.
And Lumezi Member of Parliament Lufeyo Ngoma said the expanded Constituency Development Fund (CDF) is transforming the district, and the water sector in specific.
Mr. Ngoma expressed optimism that the increase of CDF to K40 million will accelerate development in Lumezi, noting that the water and sanitation sector remain a priority.
Eastern Water and Sanitation Company has connected more than 166 customers to the water supply network under the 2023 CDF-supported project, valued at K3 million. – ZANIS/Patrick Soko.
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