Lesira-Teq has introduced into the market a water meter that has transformed the meter numbers into rand and cents, and with that a water-saving paradigm shift among end users, Lesira-Teq MD, Edwin Sibiya, tells Chantelle Mattheus. Lesira-Teq provides a comprehensive range of state-of-the-art intelligent water meter technology in South Africa.

“For the first time, we have a water meter that is user-friendly and not just a series of numbers that remains a mystery to end users. Our water meter does not only provide the end user easy access to important information about their water use, but also educates them on how best to manage and preserve water,” explains Sibiya.

He adds that the water meter is completely unique and has a totally integrated design that offers multiple modes of operation in one, consisting of, among others:

 

1. Pre-Paid mode
2. Conventional mode
3. Post-Paid mode
4. Flat-Rate Mode
5. Property leak detection
6. Indigent audit system
7. Offers various option for end users to purchase water credit, including through the internet, the bank, BP garage, Spar, Engen garage, Pick N Pay, Shoprite Checkers, 7 Eleven, Shell garage, Clicks and Sasol.

Value-add verified

This translates well into value and benefits for the end user in a variety of ways, according to Sibiya.

“Our water meter enables the end users to detect any leaks within their water pipe systems that may not be obvious to them. It also enables them to monitor their water usage throughout the month and therefore helps to save water. It further enables the end users to check their balance in the comfort of their own homes, avoiding the long queues at the pay points,” states Sibiya.

Further value, according to Sibiya, is added because the meter also enables end users to activate usage of their emergency water at a time of their own choosing, as well as enabling them to load water in accordance to their specific water needs.

Additionally, it is user-friendly, enabling end users to read and understand their own water meter data and has the functionality to inform those with the benefit of ‘free water’ how many litres they have remaining.

Finally, says Sibiya, “it enables end users full access to the meter. They can lock it and open it at their own convenience; in that way they are able to prevent water wastage.”

Local dynamics

The biggest challenge facing the water industry at large currently is how best to contribute to the country’s water conservation efforts. “South Africa is the 30th driest country in the world but lags behind in terms of water conservation. There is a move in the industry to provide innovative meters that will help the country to preserve water,” says Sibiya.

According to him, currently Lesira-Teq remains a leader in this important drive. “We remain the only company that supplies intelligent water meters with multiple modes and sophisticated functionality that accommodate prepaid, conventional, flat-rate and water dispensers.”

Metering is therefore uniquely suited to assist in sustainable solutions to this challenge. “We need innovative products that can help educate our citizenry on the importance of water conservation. We need meters with functionalities that will enable end users to interpret numbers so as to contribute to a culture of water conservation on a large scale in our country,” says Sibiya.

However, there are specific challenges relating to the roll-out and effective utilisation of metering technology in the local context as well. “Our conventional meters disempower the end-users. We need technologies and innovations that are customer-centric. The end-users are clear about their needs from this industry; it is for us to listen carefully to their needs and produce water meters that will meet these needs,” concludes Sibiya.