The Lagos State Water Corporation (LWC) has introduced a prepaid metering system for its customers. Prior to this, the corporation charged a flat flee monthly. According to the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the corporation, Feranmi Akinluleya, the metering was introduced to enable customers get value for their money. He also listed the charge for various areas.
We introduced pre-paid metering system for customers to have value for their money and only pay for the quantity of water they used. We charge N200 per cubic meter in high density areas, N260 in low density areas and N350 for commercial water usage.
Other benefits
In addition to this, the corporation also benefits from enhanced revenue, as free loaders will be minimized and individuals will be more prudent in terms of the volume of water they consume. This will enable the corporation implement its expansion plans. Residents of the state still largely provide their own water, especially in new areas.
Residents kick
Some residents have however kicked against the charges, describing them as exorbitant. They have since resorted to alternative means of supply.
Questions remain
The LWC representative did not state how the corporation arrived at the charge per metre, nor if customers were given prior notice before the transition.
About the Lagos State Water Corporation
The Lagos State Water Management Board was created in 1980 and charged with the responsibility of to operate and maintain the existing water supply systems and eradicate the pail system of sewage disposal, while the water supply department of the Ministry of the Environment and Physical Planning continued to handle the capital projects.
The board was however renamed Lagos State Water Corporation in 1980, and became a legal entity in 1985, with the added function of implementing capital projects to implement capital projects. This was done in order to access World Bank funding for expansion projects.
