Africa-Press – Botswana. Water Utilities Corporation (WUC) has taken a bold step in tackling its staggering customer debt, which exceeds P1.55 billion, by launching a mass debt collection initiative coupled with a debt amnesty programme as of April 1.
In an interview, WUC coordinator for public relations and events management, Ms Onalethata Mpopang explained that the campaign aimed to address the total reported debt of P1 551 329 842 as of February 28.
Of this figure, domestic customer debt stands at a startling P833 246 965, while government accounts total P501 773 172, Business debts follow at P153 579 505, with local councils rounding out the list with P62 730 200.
Furthermore, Ms Mpopang said that areas with the highest debts were Gaborone and Francistown followed by Mochudi, Kanye and Molepolole villages. Through this mass debt collection drive and the debt amnesty, WUC aims to significantly reduce outstanding debts, enhancing the corporation’s liquidity in the process.
Moreover, Ms Mpopang said the initiative sought to foster positive customer relationships, acknowledging factors that have contributed to household debt, such as poverty alleviation through backyard gardening initiatives and the financial impact of COVID-19.
She also encouraged customers to clear their outstanding bills, which would also pave the way for a smooth transition to the Smart Prepaid Water Metering Solution.
The campaign, set to run from April 1 through June 30, aims to reposition WUC as a progressive entity within the new Botswana while fostering improved service delivery and community partnerships.
“Customers with outstanding debts will receive an SMS notifying them of their eligibility for debt amnesty,” Mpopang clarified. In addition, communication regarding the initiative will be delivered through various channels, including social media, television, radio interviews, SMS notifications and on-the-ground activations.
She said any domestic customer with a water bill over 90 days old was eligible for the amnesty, encouraging customers to apply at their nearest WUC office or through the WUC website, where select offices would have extended operating hours to assist.
To ensure fairness and transparency, customers will be informed of their outstanding debts and the terms and conditions of the debt amnesty programme. Once an application is submitted and approved, customers will receive a copy of their debt amnesty application form, she explained.
Ms Mpopang said that the media was playing a crucial role in this initiative, with a target of reducing domestic debt by 50 per cent by the end of the campaign while also improving the corporation’s liquidity. Looking ahead, she said the introduction of the Prepaid Water Metering Solution was expected to prevent future debt accumulation, paving the way for a sustainable and accountable water service delivery system.
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