Maputo Metropolitan Area water company Águas de Maputo estimates that around 25,000 customers have overdue invoices and are connected to the network via clandestine connections, it said in a statement on Tuesday.
“We estimate that there are around 25,000 customers with late payments and we believe that one of the causes is illicit consumption of water,” Cremildo Fernando, the public company’s commercial director said in a statement.
The company loses “around 50 million meticais per month, having to bear the costs and taxes resulting from the lack of regular payment of invoices,” he added.
To try to combat illegal access to the network, “the water company will launch a campaign of cuts and removal of facilities to customers with debts,” which will focus on those who prevent technicians from taking readings and inspection.
“We have introduced a programme that aims to encourage customers to make the payment of bills and honour the commitment in a regular way, benefiting from a 25% discount of the total debt,” stressed Cremildo Fernando.
The new campaign will run in all Maputo, Matola and Boane districts.
