29 Aug 2024

Government has been requested to set up a special committee to investigate the Water Utilities Corporation (WUC) billing system.

Tabling a motion in Parliament on Tuesday, Member of Parliament for Palapye, Mr Onneetse Ramogapi emphasised the need for comprehensive examination of WUC’s billing practices, particularly malfunctioning water metres, which he said had been in use for years.

Mr Ramogapi argued that faulty water metres were likely the cause of the high water bills reported by many consumers.

He said the committee, once established, would be tasked with conducting a detailed inquiry into the billing system, identifying any systemic issues and recommending corrective measures.

“There is a need for a thorough examination of WUC’s billing processes to ensure transparency and accountability,” he said.

Mr Ramogapi also questioned the frequency which WUC serviced and calibrated its water metres, noting that such maintenance was essential but seemingly neglected.

Mr Ramogapi shared the story of an elderly woman in his constituency who owed WUC P25 000 despite living alone and having minimal water usage.

This example, he said, underscored the urgency of investigating the billing system and protecting ordinary citizens from unjust charges.

In response, Minister of Lands and Water Affairs, Honourable Dr Kefentse Mzwinila said the motion was obsolete and had been overtaken by events therefore he did not support the motion. Dr Mzwinila acknowledged that while water metres were regularly serviced, there was a possibility of damage in some cases.

He urged locals to visit the nearest WUC offices to check the status of their metres if they suspected any issues. “If a fault is found, WUC is committed to correcting and adjusting any incorrect water bills,” he stated.

The minister also indicated that, in many instances, customer complaints about high water bills were not due to faulty metres but to leaks, which were discovered upon investigation.

“Around 65 to 70 per cent of the time, the issue is a leakage rather than a metre malfunction,” he explained, emphasising WUC’s commitment to providing clean and safe water to Batswana at minimal cost.

He added that efforts were ongoing for WUC to upgrade its infrastructure, including installation of smart prepaid metres in the greater Gaborone.

He said the rollout was being implemented in phases, with plans to extend the smart prepaid metres nationwide within a year.

He added that the smart prepaid metres were expected to improve billing accuracy and help manage high water consumption in the region. Debate is expected to continue. ENDS