Participants in the 2022 Water Services Company (WASCO) games have begun to arrive in Kisumu.
This year’s edition of the games which bring together water service companies across the country is set to be hosted by Kisumu Water and Sanitation Company (KIWASCO).
The one-week event which begins on April 18, has attracted more than 6, 000 participants from over 40 companies.
We have put everything in place. All the Covid-19 protocols, and we are working with the department of health to have covid-19 testing sites within the venues
Thomas Odongo
By Monday, the event organizers were putting final touches on the venues which will host the multi-disciplinary event.
Final touches
KIWASCO Managing Director Thomas Odongo said it is all systems go.
Odongo who is also KIWASCO’s team leader in the games was speaking on Monday when he inspected Kisumu National Polytechnic ground which will host a number of games.
“This venue will host mostly ball games and choir, as well as the closing ceremony on April 22,” said Odongo.
The official opening ceremony set for April 19, will however be held at Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium in Mamboleo.
Odongo said the event is set to be graced by a number of dignitaries including Governors, and national government officials.
Grace Onyango Social Hall and Aga Khan Hall are expected to host indoor games.
“We have put everything in place. All the Covid-19 protocols, and we are working with the department of health to have covid-19 testing sites within the venues,” said Odongo.
“My appeal is to the members of the public to come out and support their teams,” he added.
The theme for this year’s games is ‘reduction of non-revenue water through community engagement and sports’.
Non-revenue water
According to Odongo, the sports event is not only for competition, but it provides an opportunity for the water companies to educate the users.
He said the companies continue to record over 45 per cent of non-revenue water.
Through such forums, we are able to share experiences as companies in this sector, and also inform the public on how they can help us reduce cases of non-revenue water
Thomas Odongo
This is water which is processed, but lost through theft or leakages during distribution.
“Through such forums, we are able to share experiences as companies in this sector, and also inform the public on how they can help us reduce cases of non-revenue water,” said Odongo.
The residents are not only expected to dully pay their water bills, but also report those who steal water, and vandalize water infrastructure so as to help in reducing the losses.
Odongo expressed confidence that KIWASCO will carry the day in this year’s games following extensive preparations the teams have had.
