Water, Irrigation CS Eugene roots for new regulations to guide water supply

KAKAMEGA, KENYA: Legislators have been told to expedite review of the Water Bill, 2014 currently on the floor of the National Assembly to pave way for implementation of new water policies.

Water and Irrigation Cabinet Minister Eugene Wamalwa said a new policy framework enshrined in the Bill will enhance access to clean drinking water.

Wamalwa said the country requires a legal framework to guide the water sector so that people can enjoy clean and affordable water as provided for in the constitution. He regretted the country continue to operate under the old water Act.

The CS called for smooth transition of water management and supply services from the boards that used to be in-charge to County governments given that water and sanitation is a devolved function.

He said massive investment in water and sanitation project by the government must be felt by Kenyans.

Wamalwa said Counties must think of new and innovative ways of resource mobilisation to rehabilitate dilapidated water supply and sanitation infrastructure and make water affordable and accessible even to the rural population.

He disclosed that European Union has disbursed Sh3.6 billion for protection of main water towers and enhance the local forest cover. "Eleven counties including three in Western will benefit from the fund," said Wamalwa.

Water Services Trust Fund Chairman Musikari Kombo said they were ready to work closely with counties in bankrolling water projects for the benefit of rural populations.

According to him, Sh34 billion from the fund will bankroll water projects in Kakamega and Busia counties. He said Nandi County will benefit too.

Lake Victoria North Water Services Board chairman Joseph Lagati challenged engineers to research on affordable ways of connecting rural population to piped water.
He demanded that more funds be channeled into developing water infrastructure based on the fact Kenya is a water scarce nation.

"The government must increase funding for water projects to guarantee people reliable supply," added Lagati.

Governors Wycliffe Oparanya (Kakamega) and Sospeter Ojamoong' (Busia) regretted that billions of shillings earlier channeled into water projects in Western had gone to waste.

"Most of the mega water projects in this region collapsed long time ago and are of no benefit to the locals," said Oparanya.