Water board defends sacking officials

By Karanja Njoroge

Rift Valley Water Services Board has defended suspending two officials of the troubled Naivasha Water Sanitation and Sewerage Company.

Board CEO Japheth Mutai said Managing Director James Gichana and the Commercial Manager were suspended to pave way for investigation on alleged misappropriation of funds and mismanagement.

"There were some irregularities on procurement and use of money collected and that is why we asked the two to step aside," Mr Mutai said.

Following the move, controversy and confusion continue to mar running of the company with Naiwasco board opposing the move.

The board took action against the two after a crippling water shortage in the town in the last five months.

Power bill

It also bailed out the company by paying Sh3.3 million owed to KPLC before appointing Mr Eliakim Mwangi as the acting MD.

Mutai said one of the managers had refused to hand over keys for investigation to start.

"We had to seek the intervention of CID officers and break into the finance offices on Friday to obtain crucial documents to assist in the investigation," he added.

He dismissed claims by Naiwasco board chairman Muchemi Mugutu that the board has no powers to take action against the officials.

Mr Mugutu had accused the board of overstepping its mandate.

For the last five months, Naivasha town has had an acute water shortage, with the company shifting the blame to defaulters who owe it more than Sh27 million.