Defense Cabinet Secretary Eugine Wamalwa has challenged water companies to work towards reducing non-revenue water.
This is water lost through theft and leakages occasioned by damages on water infrastructure.
The calls come following a revelation that water companies in the country are losing Sh200 billion annually through non-revenue water.
Water is a huge factor in development, and that is why we would wish to invest more in water provision, and protect the available water
Eugine Wamalwa
This accounts for 45 per cent of all the water processed for consumption.
Speaking when he opened the Water Companies Sports Organization (WASCO) games in Kisumu, Wamalwa asked the water companies to learn from one another.
Big Four Agenda
He said water is key in realising the Big Four Agenda including food security, health, housing manufacturing, among others.
“Water is a huge factor in development, and that is why we would wish to invest more in water provision, and protect the available water,” said Wamalwa.
He said the government is working on a number of water projects across the country.
He mentioned Koru-Soin Dam in Kisumu, which he said the government is making plans for its construction.
At least 40 water service companies are currently in Kisumu for their annual WASCO games.
KIWASCO
The 11th edition of the competition is being hosted by Kisumu Water and Sanitation Company (KIWASCO) in collaboration with Kisumu County Government.
The theme for this year’s competition is ‘reduction of non-revenue water through community engagement and sports’.
WASCO Chairman Peter Kamau had disclosed that the challenge of non-revenue water remains the biggest headache for the companies.
“This year’s theme is same as the one we had during the 10th edition of this event, and we did this intentionally to stress on the need to fight non-revenue water,” said Kamau.
Collaboration
KIWASCO Managing Director Thomas Odongo said the games have had positive impact on the attitude of his staffs.
This, he said, was due to the sharing of experience which accompany the event.
Speaking during the opening ceremony on Tuesday, he appreciated the honour to host the event for the first time.
“We want to thank the WASCO NGC for their close collaboration since the button was handed over for hosting, despite the tw-year break of Covid-19,” said Odongo.
His sentiments were echoed by KIWASCO Board Chairman Vinod Patel.
We want to thank the WASCO NGC for their close collaboration since the button was handed over for hosting, despite the tw-year break of Covid-19
Thomas Odongo
Mr Patel said due to the importance of the event, the board chose to have two of its members participate.
“We have a vaccination drive being conducted in the venues through Kisumu County Department of Health,” he said.
The WASCO sports are expected to peak on Friday when finals of the ball games and athletics are held, with a closing ceremony at Kisumu National Polytechnic