Investigating the impact of prepaid meters on communal water points in Malawi: A case study of Lilongwe peri-urban areas

Abstract

In the peri-urban areas of Lilongwe, the capital city of Malawi, water is mostly obtained from communal points. Increased indebtedness resulted in the disconnection of more water points. This prompted the Lilongwe Water Board (LWB) to implement a new prepaid metering system to provide access to water 24 h a day and increase revenue collection. This study investigated the impact of prepaid meters on communal water points. Specifically, the impact of prepaid meters on water affordability, users' perceptions of the new system, the influence of prepaid meters on revenue collection, and the reliability of the new system were examined. A mixed-methods approach was employed in this study. In total, 111 households were sampled. A questionnaire and focus group discussion were used to collect data. The results of the study indicated a high level of satisfaction with the new system, as 98.2% (109) of the sampled households expressed their contentment. Chi-square was employed to check the relationship between household income and preference of the system in terms of accessibility and affordability. The p value of the chi-square test was 0.956, indicating no significant relationship between household income and the preferred metering system. Hence, the prepaid system has proved affordable as low- and high-income people are satisfied with the system, while 1.8% (2) are dissatisfied because they resist drawing water on credit. The LWB reported that the new system increased revenue collection and guaranteed residents' access to clean water. Additionally, 68.5% (76) of the households had functional hand-washing facilities that ensured hygiene practices. The system suffers from low pressure at the water point during cloudy weather. The study recommends that the LWB consider resizing the system to ensure water access during cloudy days. In conclusion, clean water leads to good health for citizens. Generally, citizens in good health are more productive in developing a nation.