Water supplied to Eldoret Town and its environs by Eldoret Water and Sewerage Services Company, (ELDOWAS), is not the cause of cholera cases reported in the region.
ELDOWAS Managing Director (MD) Mr Peter Biwott said the source of cholera might be a result of water from alternative sources that the company has no control over.
“During the prolonged dry spell, our water dropped to a very low level which made the company resort to tight rationing forcing many residents to seek water from alternative sources that ELDOWAS has no control over, and this may be the cause of cholera,” said Biwott.
Biwott said ELDOWAS water was well treated and safe for human use, adding that ELDOWAS water therefore cannot be attributed to causing Cholera but the alternative water sources that they have no control over.
The MD was responding to concerns from water users who claim that of late, there was some odour and dirt in the water they use from the company. He, however hoped that the start of the long rains will fill up the dams again, which will assure the residents of quality and safe water.
To ensure quality water provision to the residents, Biwott said ELDOWAS will soon be regulating all the water vendors and therefore issue stringent requirements to be met before supplying water that will include public health certification of the suppliers.
“As ELDOWAS, we have advocated for more dams and climate action measures. The two rivers dam has become a government priority while the ongoing Kipkaren water treatment works are being fast-tracked which will significantly increase potable water supply and we hope this can be completed soonest,” he added.
Biwott also announced that they will be starting tree planting between April and September 2023 as part of enhancing forest cover that will improve the quality and quantity of water.
“Meanwhile the Department of Health should enhance its current programme to educate citizens on maintaining high levels of hygiene,” he summed up.
By Kiptanui Cherono
