Digital payments company Cellulant Zambia has partnered with five major water utility companies that will enable customers to utilise mobile money services via selected banks, including Standard Chartered Bank and the National Savings Bank, to pay their bills.

Cellulant Zambia has agreements in place with Mulonga Water and Sewerage Company, Nkana Water and Sewerage Company, Kafubu Water Company, Chambeshi Water Company as well as Western Water Company.

The partnerships are expected to provide seamless digital payment solutions to over 300, 000 customers in rural areas.

According to the company, digitialising the payments collection process will improve the customer experience and encourage residents to pay on time - and this will increase revenue collection for the utility service providers.

Cellulant country manager for Zambia Gilbert Lungu said partnerships are critical in ensuring that Cellulant delivers the best possible digital payment services in Zambia.

“We believe in technology’s power to unlock opportunities and that is why we are here today to provide revenue collection efficiency for all water companies. We know that the government has spoken of the role technology will play in growing the Zambian economy. We are ready to drive this growth.”

Water Development Minister Mike Mposha said: “I wish to take this opportunity to urge water utility companies to utilise technologies and innovations that will bring about revenue generation efficiency and help improve the financial viability of water utility companies. Revenue collection has been a challenge particularly during COVID-19 and therefore, digital payment provides a solution to decongesting payment points for water companies whilst arresting the spread of COVID-19.”