Nakuru Rural Water and Sanitation Company Limited has sounded a stern warning to individuals engaging in vandalizing the company’s utilities as well as illegal connections.
Managing Director Reuben Korir said vandalism and illegal water connections have remained a challenge to the company in their push to ensure better service delivery to the residents.
He was speaking at the Company grounds in Nakuru on Tuesday during a public participation meeting to get views on the application made to the Water Services Regulatory Board(WASREB) concerning renewal of license.
Korir stated that the company will be working with other agencies to enforce the laid down regulations so that those engaging in such face tough penalties.
“There are also challenges around vandalism and illegal connections. However, as a company we are working with other government agencies to enhance enforcement with penalties. We also take this time to warn those engaging in such that their days are numbered” said NARUWASCO MD.
While citing the importance of water services, Korir called for the need to have increased budget allocation on the sector.
According to him, this is the only way to ensure better service delivery as well as achieve the Sustainable Development Goals on access to water.
“There is a need for more budgetary allocation to water. This will help us achieve the SDGs on access to water” he said.
During the public participation meeting, consumers unanimously agreed that the NARUWASC’s licenses be renewed by WASREB.
The move was welcomed by NARUWASCO MD who committed to ensure better service delivery for the next five years.
NARUWASCO operates in five distinct regions in Nakuru County which are Eastern(Gilgil, Turasha, Kikopey, Langalanga),Northern(Bahati,Kabatini,Ndungiri,Subukia), Central(Njoro,Kiamunyi,,Lanet-Mbaruk), Western(Salgaa,Sobea,Sachangwan,Rongai,Kampi Ya Moto), Southern(Molo,Kibunjia,Elburgon).
WASREB CEO Engineer Robert Gakubia oh his part stated that as a Board they will continue to ensure consumer protection as per the constitution and Water Act.
He however was quick to urge consumers to also play their role by paying their bills on time to avert inconveniences.
“We cannot issue licenses without getting the views of the people through public participation and that is why we are here today” he stated.
According to the water services regulator, the Illegal water connections has continued to cause water loss in the country with Naruwasco loss being at 58% which is far above the less than 20% WASREB’s standard.
The Body revealed that in Kenya generally water lost is worth 80 Billion shillings per year.
Nakuru County Chief Officer Environment Kiogora Muriithi on his part reiterated the County Government’s commitment towards water service provision.
“As a county government, we will continue to work with the water supply companies to ensure services to the people” said Kiogora.
He revealed that Governor Lee Kinyanjui will be signing into Law crucial Bills touching on the sector and that will improve service delivery.
They are;Nakuru county climate change Bill, Nakuru Water and sanitation Bill, and Nakuru Waste and management Bill.
Sentiments echoed by Maella MCA Gathariki Kamanu who is also the Chair water, Environment, Energy and Natural Resources Committee at the county assembly of Nakuru.
“We need to ensure the laws in place are adhered to for better service delivery. We have a lot of resources but we are not taking good care of them. We invest massively in projects but management of the projects becomes a challenge with much vandalism of water projects” he said.
…………………ENDS……………….
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