The Ogun State Water Corporation has started retrieving dormant prepaid water meters across the state to protect government assets and boost revenue generation. This exercise aims to target meters that have stopped vending, with the goal of promoting access to potable water and improving the Corporation's revenue. The initiative began on Thursday along Olorunsogo Road in Abeokuta South Local Government Area.
According to the Special Adviser to the Governor on Sustainable Development Goals and Water Resources, Damilola Otubanjo, the move became necessary due to the low utilisation of meters distributed free of charge to residents by the state government. Over 8,000 prepaid meters were distributed, but very few customers vended regularly. This poor vending culture affects the Corporation's revenue and its capacity to maintain, rehabilitate and expand water infrastructure across the state.
The government had invested significantly in providing these meters to residents free of charge to promote access to potable water. However, the Corporation loses revenue when customers do not vend, which could have been channelled into maintaining and improving the water supply system. The prolonged non-use of meters could also damage them, as they are fitted with internal batteries that require regular vending to remain operational.
Otubanjo urged beneficiaries to vend at least once every month to keep the meters functional. The Corporation's goal is to encourage customers to take ownership of the meters and ensure they are used regularly. By doing so, the Corporation can generate revenue to improve water supply and infrastructure across the state.
The retrieval of dormant meters is part of the Corporation's efforts to strengthen its revenue generation and protect its assets. The exercise will help to identify and recover meters that are no longer in use, which can be redeployed to areas where they are needed. This initiative is expected to have a positive impact on the state's water supply and revenue generation.
The Ogun State Water Corporation's initiative has been welcomed by residents, who see it as a step towards improving the state's water supply and infrastructure. The Corporation's efforts to engage with customers and encourage them to vend regularly are expected to yield positive results. By working together, the Corporation and residents can ensure that the state's water supply is improved and that the Corporation's revenue generation is strengthened.
In conclusion, the Ogun State Water Corporation's move to retrieve dormant meters and strengthen water revenue is a step in the right direction. With over 8,000 prepaid meters distributed, the Corporation aims to promote access to potable water and improve its revenue generation. By encouraging customers to vend regularly, the Corporation can generate revenue to improve water supply and infrastructure across the state.
Key points
- The Ogun State Water Corporation has commenced the retrieval of dormant prepaid water meters to protect government assets and boost revenue generation.
- Over 8,000 prepaid meters were distributed free of charge to residents, but very few customers vended regularly.
- The Corporation urges beneficiaries to vend at least once every month to keep the meters functional and ensure revenue generation.
