ABSTRACT
Pre-payment metering of water means people pay up-front for water credits and then transfer the credits into a metering system. For small systems in Africa, the bulk metering systems and water kiosks are likely to apply to rural communities, probably with a low skills level, and therefore unlikely to afford piped connections to houses. The most compelling reasons for advocating pre-payment lie with the Water Providers. Pre-payment is a quick and easy way for willing partners to enter a cycle of success upon reaching a pact in which the consumers promise to pay for the water up-front, and not to steal the water. In return the Water Provider promises a reliable supply of safe drinking water. Older, simple systems involve physical tokens which allow consumers to discharge a set amount of water, usually 20 litres. There is no control over who uses how much water, and the tokens inserted into the prepayment meter have a value.
