The Deputy King directs EWA to continue re-issuing electricity bills based on last year’s invoices for the next three months, and to expedite the launch of a newly developed invoicing system
The Deputy King, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, today received the President of the National Audit Office (NAO), HE Shaikh Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, at Riffa Palace.
During the meeting, the Deputy King directed the Electricity and Water Authority (EWA) to continue re-issuing the water and electricity invoices for Bahraini citizens at their primary residence (Single Account) for the upcoming months of September, October and November based on last year’s invoices for the same period, if they are lower than those issued this year.
Furthermore, the Deputy King directed the EWA to expedite the launch of a newly developed invoicing system which ensures the highest level of service to individuals and institutions, in line with international best practice.
The Deputy King stressed that Bahraini citizens remain at the core of the Kingdom’s sustainable development goals, in line with HM the King’s vision. HRH added that it is a national priority to ensure the optimal use of resources while safeguarding the interests of citizens and guaranteeing the Kingdom’s comprehensive development.
Later, HE Shaikh Ahmed presented a NAO report detailing the preliminary results of an investigation into the mechanisms used to calculate the electricity and water bills for the months of June, July and August. The report also detailed technical and procedural aspects of the investigation, which has been conducted by the NAO in line with the directives of HRH.
The Deputy King praised the efforts of the NAO and the EWA in preparing the report, stressing the importance of completing the investigation in coordination with all relevant authorities.
The report further outlined that circumstances which affected the billing system were limited to the beginning of the summer period of this year only, and that the immediate decisions taken to investigate the EWA billing system and directives provided by HRH to recalculate the invoices covering the months of June, July and August have successfully safeguarded the interests of EWA customers.
The Deputy King reiterated that all government entities must ensure that individuals and institutions have confidence in the quality and accuracy of the services they provide.
The Deputy King further noted the Kingdom’s commitment to upholding the principles of accountability, fairness and transparency across all government entities, in order to preserve the sustainability of resources, safeguard the rights of citizens, and ensure a bright future of development and prosperity.
For his part, HE Shaikh Ahmed expressed gratitude for the opportunity to meet the Deputy King and noted HRH’s continued support for meeting the development needs of citizens.
The Deputy Prime Minister, HE Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, the Minister of Interior, HE Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, the Minister of Electricity and Water Affairs, HE Dr. A.Hussain Bin Ali Mirza, the Minister of Finance and National Economy, HE Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, also attended the meeting.
