The Bunda Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Authority (BUWSSA) has launched over 1,000 new prepaid water meters to be installed across Bunda town in a major step aimed at improving service delivery and reducing water billing disputes.

BUWSSA reports that water access in Bunda and its surrounding areas has now reached 85 percent, serving more than 10,000 active customers.

Speaking during the launch held recently in Bunda, BUWSSA Managing Director Esther Gilyoma said the meters would allow customers to pay for water services before consumption, giving them greater control over their usage and costs.

“We have been receiving frequent complaints from residents about inflated water bills,” said Gilyoma. “These new meters are the solution. Customers will now pay based on their ability and use water accordingly.”

She explained that the meters will be installed in all areas with BUWSSA’s water network after customers contribute toward installation costs.

Among the many benefits, the prepaid meters are expected to: Eliminate billing complaints by letting users monitor their consumption Help families manage water expenses according to income Spare landlords from footing bills left behind by tenants who vacate without paying

“I encourage landlords, institutions, and business operators to embrace this system,” she said. “It will reduce unnecessary conflicts between BUWSSA, tenants, and property owners.”

The project is being implemented in partnership with Wazo Peak Technology Limited, whose Managing Director, Yoweri Maximilian Chacha, confirmed a three-year contract to supply and distribute the meters.

“These meters have national and international certification,” said Chacha. “We’ve already installed them in various regions—Mara, Mtwara, and Simiyu—and have not received a single complaint from clients or water authorities.”

Chacha explained that the meters will function similarly to prepaid electricity systems, where customers purchase LUKU tokens and load them into the meter to access water services corresponding to the amount paid.

The launch marks a significant milestone in BUWSSA’s ongoing effort to modernize water service delivery and promote efficient water use across the region.