Thursday 09 / May / 2024
Muscat: Nama Water Services unveiled a prepaid water meter service, a groundbreaking initiative in the water services sector. The service is implemented through digital technology.
Qais Saud Al Zakwani, CEO of Nama Water Services, said: “These meters, incorporating cutting-edge global technology, represent a significant advancement in the water sector. Rigorous testing ensured a smooth activation process and a positive subscriber experience for this service, which aligns with Nama Water Services' commitment to continuous development and improved offerings within this vital industry.”
“To ensure a smooth rollout, the initial phase of the prepaid water meter service provided valuable training for our staff in managing this new system and troubleshooting any potential issues. To enhance our approach, we drew upon valuable insights from thriving prepaid water initiatives implemented globally, which gives us great confidence in the service’s success within the Sultanate of Oman. We have plans to expand this initiative to encompass all governorates served by the company,” he added.
Al Zakwani explained, “We are confident that the implementation of the prepaid meter service will empower subscribers to manage their water consumption effectively. The meters will provide real-time usage data, allowing customers to monitor and control their water consumption. The prepaid system will also eliminate the issue of accumulating debt, particularly for commercial accounts and rental properties. Landlords can ensure tenants are responsible for their water usage, preventing unpaid bills."
Leveraging Internet of Things (IoT) technology, prepaid water meters offer a smarter way to manage water consumption. These meters connect to the utility company's subscriber system via satellite, transmitting hourly updates on key data points. This includes both the amount of water used and the remaining balance from your prepaid credit. For user convenience, the meter features a digital display for real-time data access.
Subscribers may top up their prepaid water meters with amounts ranging from OMR 5 (minimum) to OMR 100 (maximum) for residential accounts and from 10 to 500 Omani rial for commercial accounts. The service automatically resumes upon recharge after a low balance disconnection.
