Davis & Shirtliff, a leading supplier of water and energy solutions, has successfully deployed a state-of-the-art prepaid water metering solution for a newly constructed apartment block in Mombasa. The installation, which features Dayliff STS standard prepaid water meters integrated with a sophisticated web-based vending platform, aims to streamline water management for the building’s 88 apartments. The project addresses the unique challenges of utility submetering in a residential setting, providing an efficient and reliable water service for both property owners and tenants.
The apartment complex, comprising 88 units, has been sold to a mix of residential and buy-to-let investors. Managing water consumption and billing in such a diverse community can be challenging, particularly when dealing with shared utilities. Traditional water billing methods often result in disputes over usage and delays in payment, which can disrupt service delivery and lead to financial inefficiencies for property managers.
Davis & Shirtliff's solution, featuring Dayliff STS standard prepaid water meters, offers a modern and effective approach to submetering. By requiring residents to prepay for water, the system eliminates the risks associated with post-paid billing, such as overdue accounts and collection costs. Additionally, the solution provides detailed usage reports that enable the apartment management office to monitor consumption patterns, detect leaks, and plan maintenance more effectively.
The metering solution is powered by a web-based vending platform that integrates seamlessly with mobile money services. This allows residents to purchase water credits from the convenience of their smartphones, making the process quick and hassle-free. The platform is designed to be user-friendly and accessible, supporting various payment options to accommodate the diverse needs of the apartment's occupants.
Once credits are purchased, they are immediately reflected in the resident’s water meter account, allowing for uninterrupted access to water. The system also supports remote meter reading, which reduces the need for physical inspections and enhances the accuracy of billing. For property managers, the solution offers a centralized dashboard where they can view real-time data on water consumption and revenue, enabling them to make informed decisions about resource allocation and infrastructure investments.
For residents, the prepaid system provides greater control over their water usage, helping them to manage their consumption and avoid unexpected bills. It also promotes water conservation by encouraging residents to be mindful of their usage, which is particularly important in a region like Mombasa, where water scarcity is a concern.
For buy-to-let investors, the solution ensures that water charges are directly borne by tenants, reducing the risk of unpaid bills. This can enhance the investment’s profitability and make property management more straightforward, as the automated system minimizes the need for manual intervention.
Davis & Shirtliff’s deployment of this advanced prepaid metering solution sets a new standard for water management in multi-unit residential buildings. By leveraging cutting-edge technology to overcome traditional submetering challenges, the company has created a model that can be replicated in similar developments across Kenya and beyond.
The success of this project highlights the potential for innovative water management solutions to improve service delivery and enhance the living experience in urban communities. As cities like Mombasa continue to grow and expand, such technologies will play a crucial role in ensuring sustainable and efficient use of resources.
With this deployment, Davis & Shirtliff reaffirms its commitment to providing innovative and sustainable water solutions that meet the evolving needs of its customers. The company’s expertise in integrating advanced technologies into everyday applications continues to drive progress in the water and energy sectors, contributing to the development of smarter, more resilient urban environments.
