WASREB notes improved water services despite setback from govt institutions

Written by Rosemary Wachiye

WASREB officials from L: Isaac Ruto, Patrick Munialo and CEO Robert Gakubia. [Photos/Rosemary Wachiye-WestFm] The Water Services Regulatory Board (WASREB) has acknowledged improved services in the past three years due to good management and funding. WASREB’s CEO Eng. Robert Gakubia while he spoke exclusively on West Fm said much ground had been covered in the provision of water services and was looking forward to more improvement and satisfaction to their customers. At the same time, the Nzoia Water Services Company (NZOWASCO) Managing Director Eng Patrick Munialo stated that water reforms had led to an increase in investment in the water sector that is worth 2.6 billion consisting of 10km3 in Kitale, 7800 m3 of water in Bungoma same to Webuye and Kimilili that will last up to the year 2025. He also said that the company had developed extensions to ensure every region gets water. “This has led to massive improvement in coverage from 15percent to 70percent hoping to get to 100percent soon,” he said. Eng Gakubia explained that WASREB is all about regulating how the companies perform ensuring that the citizen's interest is given first consideration. He said: "We are the ones who make all this happen, it’s everyone’s right to get water services keeping in mind that the water companies must make a profit out of it."  WASREB CEO Eng. Robert Gakubia. Monopoly of companies like NZOWASCO and Lake Victoria North Water Services Board (LVNWSB) in their regions ensures good service to citizens. The government has strategies put in place and set standards that work towards supporting the company and their customers' interests. And according to Mr. Isaac Ruto the Provisional Manager, Nzoia cluster 1 is in Webuye and Bungoma to be completed next year is expected to cost 2.1 billion. The second phase in Mumias cost 3.7 billion adding that Japan has contributed 1.2 billion to fund the Kapsabet water project, the Water Services Trust Fund has contributed Sh4000 and UNICEF has given Sh44 million to fund the Busia project. The Government has disbursed Sh288, 000 billion to every district in the ongoing projects. Eng Munialo stated that the challenges NZOWASCO faces are not being able to supply water to everyone having around 33% of the kenyan population without water. In the 15 years of service ensuring customers’ needs are taken care of; NZOWASCO collaborates with the Ministry of Water and Irrigation to ensure the water is well treated for use.  Mr. Ruto assured the water users to gain trust in the water they provide as it’s well treated and doesn’t require to be retreated before use. Reacting to the water problem Maeni area of Bungoma County, Mr.Ruto said that it was due to shortage from the source that has been caused by dry season in Mt.Elgon. He urged Kapenguria residents to join so that the government can be able to fund and develop sustainable water projects following complains that they do not get water supply even when they construct dams. Eng Gakubia pointed out on government institutions such as hospitals, schools and parastatals as being among the main contributors of water shortages because they do not pay their bills in time. He urged those institutions to pay their bills so as water providers can sustain water services to them and other users.