Water company seeking for funds to mitigate
By The Mountain Journal team in Nyeri
Environmental degradation and human activity along Chania River
are some of the factors threatening the future water supply of Nyeri town residents.
Unless the trend is stopped in the long run the locals will
experience dry taps and forced to transport water from far points.
Through
the Nyeri Water and Sanitation Company (Nyewasco), the town has enjoyed the
best water service in the country for the last 12 years but it says in its five-year
strategic plan covering the years 2021/ 22- 2025/26 that an insecure intake
threatens its ability to retain the top rank position.
Under
the year plan, Nyewasco is hoping to build a water reservoir along the Chania
and Zaina rivers to mitigate dwindling water levels.
Speaking
during the launch of the strategic plan, Nyewasco Acting Managing Director Eng.
Peter Kahuthu explained the company would be working towards strategic
partnerships with Tana Water Works Development Agency and the county government
to set up the infrastructure.
Initially
Nyewasco relied on three water sources for its supply on rivers Nairobi, Chania
and Muringato Rivers. However for now the Chania River is the only source and
with continued human activity along the river and climatic changes, there is a
need to create water reserves for the future,” he said.
The
plan also recorded the current challenges facing the future of the company
including an old and dilapidated supply network, meeting water demands of a
growing population, and increasing cost of water production (chemical and
energy).
Kahuthu
also noted the company was seeking to expand its water sewerage coverage in the
area it covers.
While
water provision is at 98 percent coverage for over 100,000 residents’ sewer
coverage is at 33 percent which is to be improved with a five year
strategic plan.
Nyeri
Governor Mutahi Kahiga said that Nyewasco has become a success story that
spurred other water companies in the county to improve their services.
“I
know there was a challenge in the governance of some of the water companies,
and there were proposals to merge them with Nyewasco but they have improved and
will remain independent,” he said.
Nyewasco
has faced controversy over their recent tariff reviews which saw the company
change their tariff charges for customers based on consumption.
“Nyeri
residents can rest easy knowing there will not be any water charges reviewed
for the next five years,” Kahiga said.
The
strategic plan also proposes to implement pro poor policies to ensure
availability of water in low income areas.
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