The State Department for Water and Sanitation has signed a memorandum of understanding with the County Government of Uasin Gishu in collaboration with water agencies in the region that seeks to enhance efficiency in the management of water.
The agreement, between the two levels of government in conjunction with North Rift Valley Water Works Development Agency (NRVWWDA), Lake Victoria South Water Works Development Agency, Eldoret Water and Sanitation Company (ELDOWAS) and Water Services Regulatory Board (WASREB) will help curb water losses through illegal connection and provide sustainable water supply to residents through construction of dams.
Speaking after the MoU signing ceremony, which was held at the governor’s office, Water and Sanitation Principal Secretary Dr. Paul Rono said the government remains commitment to prioritizing water issues in the country.
“As the ministry mandated to construct, manage and supervise the 100 dams, we have started the journey by doing an assessment across the country on the water needs and the locations of the dams, and also other medium dams close to 1000 and 3000 small dams like water pans and boreholes,” he said.
This even as he issued a stern warning to contractors who fail to complete projects within stipulated time saying they risk having their contracts terminated.
Rono called on area residents to report case of vandalism immediately to the water police.
“Anybody found to have connected water illegally will face the full wrath of the law and that is why we have a water police unit here. If you are caught stealing water, or water gadgets like metres pipes and others, it will not be business as usual,” said. Dr. Rono.
Report by Sally Namuye
