More than 600,000 customer records will be reorganised and digitised under a new reform programme launched by the Addis Ababa Water and Sewerage Authority, as the utility moves to strengthen revenue collection and tighten oversight of its growing subscriber base.

The Authority said the initiative, now in a pilot phase, introduces a modern data management system designed to replace legacy record-keeping practices that have affected billing, contract administration and service efficiency. The reform is being implemented in collaboration with Addis Ababa University.

According to Moges Argaw, deputy chief executive officer of the Authority, limitations in the existing database have constrained service delivery and weakened monitoring of consumption. The upgraded system will enable structured digital data collection and archiving, forming the basis for revised customer contracts and improved account verification.

The pilot began today at the Communications Branch and will extend across the Authority’s 10 branches. A broader rollout is scheduled in three phases over the coming years.

The data exercise will cover both current and prospective customers. Officials estimate that 1.2 million residents fall within the scope of the update. Following verification, customers will be required to renew their contracts in line with the newly compiled records.

The Authority expects the overhaul to support more accurate billing, reduce water losses by identifying leakage-prone areas, and accelerate service connections for new applicants. It also anticipates that strengthening data integrity will contribute to higher revenue by expanding and formalising the customer base.

At present, the utility serves more than 700,000 water customers and over 300,000 sewerage users in the capital. In addition, more than 600,000 water users in existing non-condominium properties are projected to require services, adding to operational and financial pressures.

Customers have been urged to cooperate with enumerators by providing accurate information during the data collection process.