The Electricity and Water Authority (EWA) in Bahrain has been focusing on building public trust by refraining from pursuing overdue bills, leading to a year without power cuts. Noura Al Neama, the Collections Head of EWA, reassured citizens that unpaid bills are not currently being enforced and ongoing collaboration with banks is in place to ease the strain for those in arrears. However, concerns have been raised by Muharraq Municipal Council member Fadhel Al Oud about potential privatization leading to draconian debt collection tactics and possible cutoffs.
During a council session, Al Neama discussed the authority’s approach, emphasizing the need for a steady revenue stream to maintain services. The authority has introduced a fixed deduction service to make payments manageable and has partnered with local banks like the National Bank of Bahrain to offer low-interest loans with extended repayment terms. Talks with CrediMax are ongoing to provide customers with the option to pay off bills interest-free when using their card.
Al Oud expressed unease about the potential privatization of EWA, warning that it could lead to harsh enforcement measures and cutoffs for those behind on payments. He believes this situation would force many to take out loans, adding to their financial burden. He advocated for a repayment plan instead of driving people further into debt, highlighting the need to provide relief rather than additional financial pressure to citizens.
In response to concerns about sudden power outages reported by residents, council member Ahmed Al Moqahwi urged the authority to notify council members in advance of any planned disconnections. This would allow them to assist residents in finding solutions before facing a power cutoff. Al Moqahwi emphasized that unexpected cut-offs are unacceptable, especially for families who need time to address their payments.
Al Neama reiterated her assurances that no disconnections have taken place since the introduction of the new system last year. The authority now sends reminders of overdue amounts and deadlines on bills, as well as alerts beforehand. Ali Fareed, the Head of Customer Services, highlighted that the call center operates 24/7, allowing customers to set up payment plans and avoid any disruptions in service. The focus remains on strengthening the bond between the authority and the public through transparency and communication.
Overall, the Bahrain Electricity and Water Authority’s approach to managing overdue bills and potential privatization has sparked discussions and concerns among citizens and council members. While efforts have been made to prevent power cuts and provide financial relief, the potential shift towards privatization raises questions about the impact on debt collection tactics and customer relations. Transparency, communication, and collaboration with banks are crucial in managing overdue bills and maintaining public trust. Efforts to notify residents in advance of any planned disconnections and provide assistance in resolving payment issues will be essential in ensuring a smooth transition and avoiding unnecessary financial burdens on citizens.
