Nigeria: 100,000 Homes Getting Clean Water Meters

One hundred thousand households in Cross River State, Nigeria, are about to get something many take for granted: reliable access to clean water they can track and control.

Bendoriks International Limited just signed a $7.5 million agreement to supply ultrasonic prepaid water meters as part of a public-private partnership rebuilding the state's water infrastructure. The meters work like prepaid electricity, letting families monitor their water use and pay only for what they consume.

For years, Cross River State has struggled with inadequate water supply and billing systems that frustrated residents and left infrastructure crumbling from lack of revenue. This project aims to fix both problems at once.

Ben Ikiseh, Managing Director of Bendoriks International, says his company has already prepared for demand beyond the initial 100,000 meters. The firm has installed nearly one million meters across Nigeria in various sectors, bringing valuable experience to this critical project.

The meters use ultrasonic technology to accurately measure water flow without moving parts that can break or wear out. This means fewer repairs, more accurate billing, and less water lost to leaks or meter errors.

The Ripple Effect

Beyond individual households, this project could reshape how Nigerian states approach water infrastructure. Ayo Taire, Group Managing Director of Core Trust and Investment Limited, believes the initiative can become a blueprint for other states facing similar challenges.

When residents pay fairly for water they actually use, utilities collect enough revenue to maintain pipes, treatment plants, and pumps. That creates a sustainable cycle where good infrastructure supports reliable service, and reliable service encourages payment.

The prepaid system also eliminates surprise bills and gives families control over their water budget. They can see exactly how much water costs and adjust their usage accordingly, much like managing a mobile phone plan.

Cross River State officials hope the project demonstrates what public-private partnerships can achieve when companies and government work together on people-centered solutions. The collaboration brings private sector efficiency to a public service that directly impacts health, sanitation, and quality of life.

Installation begins once final arrangements are complete, with technical teams ready to deploy across the state. For 100,000 families, that means an end to unreliable water access and the beginning of transparent, sustainable service they can depend on.