By Our Correspondent - Dodoma.
The Weights and Measures Agency (WMA) has launched a nationwide exercise to verify electricity meters installed in factories across Tanzania.
The move aims to ensure the government, through Tanzania Electric Supply Company Limited TANESCO, collects accurate revenue and that industries pay for the electricity they actually use.
WMA’s Head Office Manager, Albogast Kajungu, told journalists on June 18 during the Public Service Week exhibition at Chinangali grounds, Dodoma, that over 2,000 meters have been checked since the exercise began in May.
“Most meters in factories are working properly. A few with faults have been reported to the relevant authorities for repair or replacement to guarantee accurate readings,” Kajungu said.
He explained that industrial meters are a priority because factories consume large amounts of electricity. Faulty meters could cause losses either to TANESCO or the factory owners.
Besides electricity meters, WMA is also verifying steel products used in construction, especially those made locally. Kajungu noted that as the construction sector expands, WMA wants to ensure products meet required standards to protect consumers from poor-quality materials.
“We want to safeguard people from the dangers of using substandard steel products,” he added.
The agency is also checking water meters due to complaints about billing discrepancies.
Kajungu said WMA’s Misugusugu Measurement Centre in Pwani regularly verifies new electricity and water meters before they are installed to ensure accuracy.
He invited the public to visit the WMA booth during Public Service Week to learn about measurement standards and how they help consumers get fair value for money.
WMA is mandated by law to protect consumers by verifying and controlling measurement instruments used in business and services under the Weights and Measures Act.