One-stop utility bill collection unlikely to start in January

The government's decision to introduce a one-stop utility bill collection service in about 180 branches of 20 banks in the city by January 1, 2004 may not see light due to lack of preparation among utility service providers.

At a recent meeting of the Finance and Planning Ministry, 20 banks of the city and the four utility service providers , DESA, DESCO, WASA, Titas Gas and T&T, agreed to provide one- stop service to collect electricity, water, gas and telephone bills for the convenience of city dwellers.

The government also decided to include the banks in the process as some foreign banks have expressed their interest in providing one-stop utility bill collection services to add to the number of service centres.

According to the finance ministry, the banks, which are providing two or more utility bill payment services may be used as a one-stop service. Also the banks, which are providing the T&T bill collection service may be converted to one-stop service banks.

At the same time the banks, which are providing only one service may continue providing the facility further.

At present none of the banks have any arrangements with all four utility departments in providing one-stop services to the residents of the city. Some banks have tried to strike a deal with the utility service providers but have not received permission to open the billing service even though a year has lapsed.

There is also doubt about the smooth functioning of the one-stop service as it would increase the workload on the banks that are already pressurised with work.

The banks have proposed the utility departments to issue bills at the same time to facilitate the work of the banks. Some banks also suggested that a 24- hour service facility should be introduced instead of a counter-based system.

Already some of the banks are providing billing services through ATM and Ready cash cards and also by automatic billing for many of their account holders.