The Eswatini Water Services Corporation (EWSC) has introduced a prepaid water metering system designed to give customers more control over their water usage while enhancing revenue collection for the corporation. The initiative was officially launched at the EWSC headquarters in Ezulwini, with Managing Director Jabulile Mashwama overseeing the announcement.
This new prepaid system is set to be implemented over five years, with the first phase beginning in the 2025/26 financial year. The initial rollout will cover 12,000 residential connections. The introduction of prepaid meters is a response to growing customer demand for better control over water bills, allowing them to monitor consumption in real time and make informed budgeting decisions. Mashwama explained that the system offers more than just a way to track usage—it is a tool for empowering customers to avoid unexpected high water bills and reduce waste.
EWSC has also studied water management systems from leading providers in Uganda, South Africa, and Botswana to ensure that the new meters are in line with global best practices. Customers will purchase water credits in advance, much like prepaid electricity, enabling them to plan household expenses more efficiently and eliminate surprises when bills arrive.
The prepaid meters are expected to boost revenue collection by addressing unpaid water accounts. The system will also improve financial planning for the corporation, enabling investments in expanding water infrastructure to underserved communities.
The cost of the prepaid metering project is estimated at over E500 million over the next five years. EWSC’s IT Senior Manager, Innocent Mkhombe, explained that the meters are powered by lithium batteries with a 15-year lifespan and solar backup, ensuring they remain operational even during power outages. A pilot project is already underway at Mndoni Estate, where customers are receiving hourly updates on their water usage to identify any leaks.
Mashwama concluded by encouraging customers to embrace the new system, stressing its importance in modernizing water management in Eswatini. “We are creating a future where every drop of water is accounted for and used wisely,” she stated.
