Ghana Water Company Goes Paperless

Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL), has moved from the paper payment system of transacting business with customers, to the electronic payment system.

The Company, yesterday in Accra, launched the e-billing and e-payment system, which authorities believe will ensure a smooth transaction between them and their customers.

Speaking at the launch, the Managing Director of GWCL, Dr. Clifford Braimah, hinted that the company will completely phase out paper bills and receipts by January, 2018.

“Customers will receive their water bills through SMS and electronic mails (e-mails). Currently we have already begun the process in four regions which are; Ashanti Region, Brong Ahafo, Greater Accra, and the Central region”, he stressed.

New Developments

He revealed that his company will start deploying smart meters across the country, to ensure auto reading of meters without agents entering into customers’ premises.

According to him, they are in the process of implementing a telemetry system on their water network to allow for remote detection of faults, bursts and water quality.

“We have also begun an online new service connection system that will allow prospective customers to apply for water connection by using their mobile phones and computers.”

Revelation

The Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources, Mr. Joseph Kofi Adda, on his part, revealed that GWCL is owed to the tune of Gh¢846,449,169.00

According to him, forty two percent of the amount is owed by domestic customers, while the remaining fifty eight percent is owed by the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDA’s).

“I am also informed that GWCL has over 600,000 customers, eighty percent of which are domestic customers. Only seventy percent pay their bills regularly”, he stressed.

He further stated that the new electronic payment and billing system will be convenient to enable customers pay bills in the comfort of their homes.

According to him, the new development will help in minimizing corrupt practices by employees of the company.

He said customers can now pay their bills through partnered companies like Tigo, MTN, Vodafone, Access bank, Prudential, Universal Merchant Bank, Ecobank, Ghana Commercial Bank, and Ghana Trust Bank.

Source: Emmanuel Yeboah Britwum/ thePublisher