“Prepaid Water Meters’ Effect on Decreasing the Water Debt of the Service Providers to Achieve Strategic Goals of PWA " رسالة ماجستير

Abstract

Palestine is one of the most water-stressed regions in the world, with limited access to water resources due to several factors, including population growth, urbanization, and climate change. The Palestinian Water Authority (PWA) is responsible for managing water resources and providing clean and safe water to households and businesses across Palestine. However, the PWA is facing a significant water debt crisis, with estimates suggesting that it owes over $450 million (Muneeb, 2021)To address this issue, the PWA has introduced a prepaid water meter system in several cities in Palestine, including Ramallah, Hebron, and Nablus. The prepaid water meter system allows customers to pay for their water supply in advance using prepaid cards. The PWA argues that the system will help to reduce water waste and increase revenue, which will ultimately benefit all customers. The introduction of prepaid water meters has been met with mixed reactions from the public, with some expressing concerns about the cost of the meters and the potential impact on low-income households. In Ramallah, for example, a protest was organized against the installation of prepaid water meters, with protestors arguing that the meters would lead to higher water bills and further financial burdens on low-income families (Aljazeera, 2020). However, the PWA has stated that the prepaid water meter system will help to improve the accuracy of water billing and reduce water theft, which are common issues in Palestine (Muneeb, 2021) The water debt crisis facing the PWA is a significant challenge that must be addressed to ensure the sustainability of Palestine's water supply. Innovative approaches such as the prepaid water meter system will be necessary to reduce water waste and IX increase revenue, but it is crucial to ensure that the system is implemented fairly and does not disproportionately affect low-income households. In conclusion, the water debt crisis facing the PWA highlights the ongoing challenges facing Palestine in terms of water access and management. The introduction of prepaid water meters is an innovative approach to address the water debt crisis, but it is crucial to ensure that the system is implemented fairly and transparently to avoid further financial burdens on low-income households