Ogun water corporation moves to recover dormant meters, strengthen water revenue

The Ogun State Water Corporation (OGSWC) has initiated a campaign to locate and activate dormant prepaid water meters spread throughout the state, with the aim of safeguarding government assets and increasing water revenue. The campaign began on Thursday in Abeokuta South Local Government Area, specifically along Olorunsogo Road, where meters that had ceased dispensing water were targeted.

Speaking at the operation, Damilola Otubanjo, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Sustainable Development Goals and Water Resources, explained that the move was prompted by the low usage of free meters distributed to residents by the state government. According to Otubanjo, over 8,000 prepaid meters have been given away to promote access to safe drinking water, yet very few customers were actively vending.

She emphasized that this poor vending culture was negatively impacting the Corporation's revenue and its ability to maintain, repair, and expand water infrastructure across the state. "While the state government has invested substantially in providing these meters at no cost to residents to ensure access to potable water, we have observed that only a few customers are vending regularly," Otubanjo stated.

"When customers do not vend, the Corporation loses revenue that could be used to maintain and improve the water supply system." Otubanjo further warned that if customers fail to use the meters, the internal batteries, which require regular use to remain charged, could be damaged. She advised beneficiaries to use the meters at least once every month to keep them operational.