Water utility trains staff to strengthen debt recovery
A water utility has intensified efforts to improve revenue collection and strengthen internal systems after a section of its staff began a two-day training on debt recovery and receivables management.
The training is designed to equip employees with practical skills to improve credit control, prevent the accumulation of unpaid bills and strengthen revenue management within the company.
Staff are also being trained on effective approaches to resolving customer disputes while maintaining professional relationships with consumers throughout the debt recovery process.
The sessions cover a range of areas, including debt prevention, collection strategies, customer engagement, technology and data management. Participants are expected to gain practical knowledge that will enable them to identify potential debt challenges early and take appropriate measures to protect the company’s revenue streams.
The training comes as water service providers continue to seek ways of improving financial sustainability while ensuring that customers receive reliable and efficient services.
Effective receivables management is considered an important component of utility operations because delayed payments can affect a company’s ability to meet operational costs, maintain infrastructure and invest in service improvements.
The participants are also expected to explore ways of using technology and accurate data to monitor customer accounts, track outstanding payments and improve decision-making during the recovery process.
At the same time, the training emphasises the need for water utilities to balance revenue collection with good customer relations. Staff are being encouraged to adopt approaches that address outstanding debts while ensuring customers are treated fairly and professionally.
The company said the capacity-building exercise will contribute to stronger internal systems and improved efficiency in managing its financial operations.
Population Services International (PSI) is supporting the training as part of efforts to strengthen staff capacity and improve institutional performance.
The partnership highlights the role of collaboration in supporting water-sector institutions to develop the skills and systems required for sustainable service delivery.
Through the training, the company hopes to improve debt recovery, strengthen revenue management and enhance its overall operational efficiency while maintaining positive relationships with its customers.
The initiative is expected to form part of broader efforts to build a more financially resilient utility capable of sustaining quality water and sanitation services for consumers.
