KAKAMEGA AND BUSIA COUNTIES TO MANAGE OWN WATER
Ministry of Water and Irrigation Cabinet Secretary Hon. Eugene Wamalwa today graced the annual stakeholdersβ workshop for the Lake Victoria North Water Services Board (LVNWSB) at Golf Hotel in Kakamega town whose aim is expanding water and sanitation infrastructure for access to all.
Hon. Wamalwa encouraged Governors to lobby for their own water bodies to ease governance, planning and partnership linkages. He further reiterated his ministryβs commitment to coming up with policies that will look into Inter Basin and Inter County water transfer, electricity regulation in the water sector and a policy that will help those living around water sources to benefit from the resource supply.
Kakamega County Governor H.E Hon. Wycliffe Ambetsa Oparanya said the National Ministry should regulate electricity bills for Water and Health Sectors as well as Street lighting since the three are most essential services offered to Kenyans by both governments. Governor Oparanya added that water is a scarce resource in Kenya hence the National Government should come up with interventions to harvesting running water especially during heavy downpour.The Governor further urged Honourable Members of Parliament to lobby for the support of water projects in counties. Governor Oparanya announced that beginning 1st July this year, the government will run all water affairs in the county after a smooth transition from LVNWSB that is in its final stages. This takeover of Water by the County Government will see to it that mega water projects and extension services in Kakamega and Mumias Towns will benefit all the residents. Governor Oparanya added that the Maraba Sewerage wrangles that have persisted for long will now be fully managed.
Busia County Governor H.E Hon. Sospeter Ojaamong, echoed his host’s sentiments saying Lake Victoria North Water Services Board should settle all the water bills inherited by counties from the defunct local authorities as they affect annual budgeting and planning in most governments. Governor Ojaamong encouraged all stakeholders to engage county governments to steer development.
Also in attendance were Kakamega County Deputy Governor H.E Hon. Prof. Philip Kutima, Chairman for Water Services Trust Fund Hon. Musikari Kombo, Lake Victoria North Water Services Board CEO Alfred Amombo, LVNWSB Members, Chairman Athi River Water Services Board Martin Wachira, Water Sector Institutions representatives, CEC for Ministry of Water, Environment and Natral Resources Robert Sumbi, Hon. Members of Parliament Ben Washiali (Mumias East), Malulu Injendi (Malava), Yusuf Chanzu (Vihiga), (Charles Gimose (Hamisi), Dr. Enoch Kibunguchy (Likuyani), Elijah Lagat (Chesumeyi), Dr. Reginalda Wanyonyi ( Bungoma County MP), Hon. MCA Cleophas Malala (Mahiakalo) among other dignitaries.