Uganda National Water launches an e-water payment system

Wednesday, 13th April, 2011

THE recent decision by the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) to close its cash offices and launch an e-water payment system is part of a renewed effort by the big banks to attract new customers amidst a shrinking market.

There are indicators that the banks are now targeting utility firms, to ensure payments through their branches and are said to show interest in the new product on the market.

According to the NWSC managing director Dr William Muhairwe who was recently launching the service at Global Trust Bank said the move would save the corporation over sh1bn in expenses per annum.

“We won’t have to hire bullion vans to collect cash from our offices or take out insurance on this kind of work. We will instead invest that money elsewhere”, Muhairwe disclosed.

He said the system included paying bills through bank, direct debit, mobile banking, mobile money, scratch cards and payments at points of sale such as supermarkets and fuel stations.

“The e-water payment system is a simplified payment method in which a customer is able to access their water account online. Upon payment, a customer receives a receipt and an instant SMS on their phone,” Muhairwe said.

Muhairwe said that NWSC will spread the payment plan to 16 of the 22 banks in the market. Under the e-water system, a customer goes to a participating bank and presents his NWSC account number or name, to which the money is credited.

He added that the bank will print out a receipt for the customer, with NWSC simultaneously acknowledging the new balance with an SMS message on the customer’s cell phone number.

Charles Ajaegbu the Ag Managing Director Global Trust Bank said the service is open to both clients and non-clients of Global Trust bank.

By MARK OWOR: The New Vision Newspaper