THE Ministry of Water through its budget for the 2024/25 financial year has prioritised the use of prepaid meters to end complaints associated with the current post-paid billing method.

Presenting the ministry’s budget in the National Assembly in Dodoma last week, Water Minister Jumaa Aweso said the aim is to have a country with water security where everyone can access enough clean water to sustain human needs.

“Using prepaid water meters will increase the functionality of water use and maintain water leakages which create loss to clients. Until April 2024, more than 13,526 clients were already connected to prepaid services in Dodoma, Iringa and Tanga regions.

Invented by WaterAid Tanzania, the prepaid meters were also installed for residents of Sangara village in Manyara Region, reaching 2,000 people as well as Arusha Region where installation reached 23,000 people.

The meters were installed in 2018, according to Anna Mzinga, WaterAid Tanzania Country Director.

She said through the project, clients can top up money through their phones that activate a special token used in fetching water whereby for 30/-, one gets a bucket of 20 litres.

“We have continued to learn ways to improve this innovative service from one project implementation to the other,” she said.

Mzinga commended the government for adopting the innovation as it helps in delivering and implementing water projects. She said the technology is designed to bring positive outcomes in accessing clean and safe water.