End Estimated Water Bills: A Guide for Lira Residents

Many residents in Lira City have found themselves burdened by unexpectedly high water bills, with some paying substantially more than their actual consumption for months.

This situation often arises when National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) staff are unable to access water metres to take readings, leading to estimated bills. Such was the case for two tenants in Lira City who were paying between Shs50,000 and Shs70,000 monthly, only to discover a significant discrepancy after their metre was finally checked.

NWSC policy states that estimated billing should be a last resort. While the corporation acknowledges estimating is necessary when metres are inaccessible—due to locked gates or lack of contact information—it aims for accuracy. The system is designed to balance out, with overpayments resulting in a credit and underpayments leading to a larger bill later.

However, logistical challenges plague NWSC operations in Lira, with field officers managing around 3,000 accounts each. This heavy workload can lead to skipped readings, exacerbating the problem of estimated bills. Business advocate Francis Ogema Awany notes that such estimated billing is a widespread issue in Lira.

To mitigate these problems, NWSC Lira Area Manager Gerazio Tukahirwa advises customers to proactively share contact information or send clear photos of their metre readings to NWSC staff. This can help ensure more accurate billing without requiring physical access to the metre.

Regarding the cost of water, Mr. Tukahirwa explained that tariffs and Value Added Tax (VAT) are determined by Parliament. He noted that the reintroduction of VAT on water services has significantly increased consumer bills.

Water consumers are encouraged to regularly check their metres, report any faults or unusual charges promptly, and understand their rights as per NWSC’s terms and conditions to ensure fair billing.

Source: https://www.monitor.ug/uganda/news/national/how-to-escape-estimated-water-billing-5497954