SEAAL cuts water to customers with unpaid bills in Algiers

The Algiers Water and Sanitation Company (SEAAL) has started cutting water to customers in several communes of the capital who owe money for unpaid bills.

DNAlgerie reported that the campaign began last week in Algiers. Unlike a simple meter closure, these deep cuts work directly on the distribution pipes, so customers cannot restore their supply themselves.

Only SEAAL teams can reconnect a property after a deep cut. The cuts target customers who have not paid after several reminders and formal notices, according to the company.

The company wants to recover the money it is owed and to limit the build-up of debts for water and sanitation services. It said the operations will continue in the coming days.

SEAAL warns that other customers could face the same measure if they keep leaving their bills unpaid after the warnings they have received. No detailed timetable for the next operations has been made public.

Customers who have received reminders or a formal notice are advised to check their account and contact SEAAL before their connection is affected. Those whose debts have built up over several billing periods can avoid further problems by paying quickly.

Reconnection after a cut also brings extra charges, which are added to the amounts already due. The reports do not give the amount of these fees.

Customers can pay at SEAAL commercial branches, online, or through a mobile app. Customers with a large debt can ask SEAAL for an instalment plan, which would spread the amount over several monthly payments, subject to agreement with the company.

SEAAL reminds customers that paying bills on time is one of their obligations, which helps keep the water service running.