Kakamega residents could have an uninterrupted water supply before Christmas, as the county water company undertakes upgrades to boost production and improve distribution.
Kakamega County Water and Sanitation Company (Kacwasco) chief executive Charles Tung’a said the company had completed desludging the Tindinyo lagoons to restore their capacity and rehabilitated the Savona treatment plant to increase supply.
“We’re finalising the rehabilitation of the Savona supply scheme so we can have a dedicated line for key installations like Masinde Muliro, the Kakamega County Teaching and Referral Hospital, the county general hospital and Amalemba estate, which has had a problem with water,” he said.
Tung’a said the company had replaced smaller intake valves at the Savona plant with a larger one, increasing capacity from 1,000 cubic metres to 6,000 cubic metres of water per day.
He said the old treatment plant and storage facilities had also been rehabilitated, expressing confidence the improvements would end rationing.
“I want to ensure there’s no water rationing between November and February, and I want this to be the measure of performance,” Tung'a said.
He attributed previous supply constraints partly to the Tindinyo intake, which had not been desludged for more than one and a half years, reducing the volume of water available.
The company is also replacing damaged pipes in Rosterman, Musaa, Ikonyero and Lurambi estates to improve distribution and ensure a reliable supply across the town.
Tung’a said Kakamega had been divided into four zones, each with a supervisor and staff responsible for meeting revenue targets and maintaining a steady water supply.
He also warned against illegal connections, saying even senior county government staff involved in the practice would be held accountable.
The chief executive said monthly revenue had risen from Sh24 million when he took over four months ago to about Sh30 million, with the company targeting its potential of Sh50 million.
Meanwhile, Kacwasco has issued notices to residents who have erected structures on sewer lines, warning the way must be cleared ahead of anticipated heavy rains.
The company’s performance will now be measured against its pledge to end rationing and deliver reliable water to Kakamega residents.
