The Eswatini Water Services Corporation (EWSC) continues to make notable progress in modernizing water service delivery through the implementation of a prepaid metering system. Since its official launch in April 2025, the Corporation has maintained strong momentum in transitioning customers to this innovative, customer-centric platform, marking a significant step in EWSC’s digital transformation.
To date, more than 1,113 customers have successfully migrated to prepaid meters, with installations progressing steadily across all four regions of the country.
Building on the successful proof of concept at Mndoni Estate in Ezulwini, the current rollout includes key areas such as Piggs Peak – Glen Township, Moyeni – Siteki, Nkhanini – Nhlangano, Moneni, Trelawney Park, Sterkroom in Manzini, Goje Township, and Mukela in Ezulwini.
This phased approach allows the Corporation to manage financial resources and continuously incorporate lessons learned, customer feedback, and technical adjustments, ultimately improving reliability, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
Expanding Inclusive Access through Prepaid Standpipes
In addition to household meters, EWSC is expanding its prepaid model to include clustered communities by installing prepaid communal water points (standpipes). This move highlights the Corporation’s ongoing commitment to fair access, especially for households without individual water connections.
Prepaid standpipes are already in use in Mangwaneni (Manzini) and Lobamba Mashibini, with plans to expand to Ezabeni, Nkhanini, and Nshakambili. The token-based system allows households to load funds and access water easily—supporting fairness, accountability, and affordability.
This expansion directly supports the Corporation’s strategic theme for the year:
Sitselekile – Embracing Digitisation and Leaving No One Behind.
Commitment to Excellence and Customer Education
EWSC’s Specialist PR and Communications, Hlobile Jele, outlined the Corporation’s plan to switch all residential connections to prepaid metering within the next five years.
“The ongoing rollout is the first phase of this programme, which will extend across multiple communities as the Corporation continues to transition customers from post-paid meters to prepaid metering for improved service excellence,” she explained.
To ensure a smooth transition in targeted communities, EWSC conducts customer education sessions before implementation. These sessions help customers understand how the system works, how to manage water usage, and where to buy water credits. Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials are also distributed to support customers after installation.
Jele added that prepaid tokens can be conveniently purchased in the EWSC App using bank accounts and MTN Mobile Money, providing customers with a seamless, modern payment experience.
She also emphasized that the Corporation is working with third-party banking partners to increase purchase options via banking platforms and enable customers to buy tokens on their preferred platforms.
Speaking about his experience with the prepaid metering system, Sibusiso Dlamini, a customer from Mukela Township in Ezulwini who has been using prepaid, said the system has been helpful so far. He explained that prepaid metering allows him to easily track his water usage, making it easier to budget and manage consumption more effectively.
“I am pleased that the prepaid system alerts you when there are leakages within your property,” Dlamini said. “I have experienced leakages before, which only became clear through a high monthly bill. With prepaid, I can now detect issues early and take action before costs increase.”
He further commended EWSC for guiding the transition, noting that the Corporation took the time to walk him through how the prepaid system works, ensuring a smooth, user-friendly experience.
A Future Built on Innovation and Customer-Centricity
As the prepaid metering rollout gains momentum, EWSC remains deeply committed to ensuring seamless migration, responsive customer support, and continuous improvement informed by field insights.
This initiative embodies the Corporation’s mission to deliver transparent, innovative, and efficient water service to every household and community.
Through prepaid metering and prepaid standpipes, EWSC is not only enhancing service delivery but also strengthening Eswatini’s path toward modern, sustainable, and inclusive water access, ensuring that no one is left behind.