Seabata Mahao
To enhance the accuracy of meter reading, the Water and Sewerage Company (WASCO) has launched an advanced meter-reading system powered by RouteMaster Cloud technology.
The company’s customers have for a long time complained about their water bills which do not seem to correspond with their water consumption, fuelling suggestions that WASCO’s metering system was flawed.
But, the new initiative is part of WASCO’s broader effort to modernise its operations and provide more efficient, user-friendly services to its customers.
Under the new system, users can now simply take a photo of their water meter and upload it, along with the reading, directly through the ‘My Municipal Meter/My Meter’ app downloaded onto their smartphones. The app is accessible from all major app stores.
By empowering consumers to submit their own readings, WASCO not only hopes to streamline the process but also encourages greater engagement and responsibility among its customers.
The upgraded system also enhances the capabilities of WASCO’s meter-reader agents. The agents are now equipped with ultra-rugged handheld devices that enable them to take high-quality photos of meters, accurately capture readings, and record the GPS locations of each meter.
Kamohelo Hlomisi, WASCO’s ICT Manager, pointed out that the old devices had several limitations, such as the inability to take pictures due to insufficient storage capacity. In contrast, the new device can save pictures directly to WASCO’s cloud storage.
“The introduction of this gadget is part of WASCO’s broader strategy to incorporate modern technologies into our services, enhancing our ability to serve the Basotho people more effectively. By adopting this new gadget, we are not only improving our internal processes but also setting a new standard for service delivery in Lesotho’s utility sector,” Hlomisi said.
“This device will enable us to gather real-time data, reduce inaccuracies in billing, and ensure that our customers have easier access to their meter readings. It captures and transmits water usage data in real-time, allowing WASCO to monitor consumption patterns and detect anomalies quickly,” he added.
Hlomisi further stated that by reducing reliance on manual readings, the new gadget minimises errors in data collection, resulting in more accurate billing for customers. The device also streamlines the meter reading process, freeing up WASCO personnel to focus on other critical areas of service delivery.
“As we move forward, our goal is to continue integrating advanced technologies into our operations. We believe that by doing so, we can better meet the needs of our customers and contribute to the overall development of Lesotho,” Hlomisi stated.
“WASCO plans to roll out the new meter reading gadget across the country, ensuring that all regions benefit from this technological advancement. We are also exploring the possibility of integrating additional features into the gadget, such as automated leak detection and usage forecasting, to further enhance its utility,” he explained.
