Nama Water Services, Oman’s water utility company based in Muscat, revealed a prepaid water meter service, a groundbreaking initiative, reports Times of Oman.
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.
Subscribers have the flexibility to replenish their prepaid water meters with sums ranging from OMR 5 (minimum) to OMR 100 (maximum) for residential accounts
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."
Utilizing Internet of Things (IoT) technology, prepaid water meters present a more intelligent approach to water management. These meters seamlessly connect to the utility provider's system through satellite, transmitting hourly updates on vital metrics. This encompasses both the volume of water utilized and the remaining balance of your prepaid credit. To enhance user experience, the meter is equipped with a digital display for instantaneous access to real-time data.
Subscribers have the flexibility to replenish their prepaid water meters with sums ranging from OMR 5 (minimum) to OMR 100 (maximum) for residential accounts, and from 10 to 500 Omani rials for commercial accounts. The service automatically resumes upon recharge following a low balance disconnection, ensuring continuous water supply.
