Brace for water rationing, Murang’a town residents told
Water consumers in Murang’a town and its environs have been
advised to use it sparingly after inflow to the treatment plant of
Murang’a Water and Sewerage Company (Muwasco) reduced to 30 percent due
to ongoing drought.
Muwasco Managing Director Daniel
Ng’ang’a said due to reduced inflow, the company has resorted to water
rationing in the villages to ensure steady and stable supply of water to
the company’s service area.
PLANT TREES
Speaking
on Wednesday when he received officials of Kericho Water and Sewerage
Company (Kewasco) who toured the company on a benchmarking visit, Mr
Ng’ang’a encouraged farmers to plant trees when rains come.
But
he said there is no cause for alarm as the company has improved its
efficiency by reducing the non-revenue water (the treated water lost
from the main pipes to the taps) and stolen water to 24 percent.
“Due
to the current drought that has rocked the country, water inflow to the
treatment works has reduced to 30 percent but we are managing the
situation by rationing water to villages for 12 hours,” he said.
CHEAP GAS
The
Muwasco director announced that the water firm is at an advanced stage
of producing electricity and also gas through the sewerage site, which
will be 50 percent cheaper than the LPG gas.
He said a feasibility study has been completed and that they are identifying partners who will fund the project.
“Once
the project is complete, the institutions near Karii village where the
sewer is located will benefit with power and street lights while the gas
produced will be sold to locals at a subsidised cost,” he announced.
On
his part, Kericho County Executive Member for Water Geoffrey Ruto said
they hope to learn more from Muwasco on diversifying Kewasco’s portfolio
and minimising non-revenue water.
WATER LOSS
“Although
the two companies, Muwasco and Kewasco, begun at the same time, Muwasco
has made major strides in diversifying their portfolio and managing
loss of water better than us since we lose 52 percent of the treated
water leading to a loss of Sh4 million,” he said.
He
added that 25 of 39 tributaries that feed Kimugu River, the company’s
main source of water, have dried up, a move that dealt a major blow to
the company’s operations.
He added that their visit to Muwasco will play a vital role in helping them manage their infrastructure.
“Muwasco
does not get a coin from Murang’a County government while the Kericho
administration supports Kewasco with Sh60 million every year yet we are
struggling with managing our infrastructure. We want to know what to do
right to emulate this company,” he said.

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