Preparations for the 11th edition of Water Companies Sports Organization (WASCO) games have reached homestretch as over 6, 000 participants are expected in Kisumu over the weekend for the tournament slated for 18th -22nd April 2022.
The participants from various water companies across the country will compete in ball games, draught, darts, chess, scrabble, athletics, choir and cultural dance.
Kisumu Water and Sanitation Company (KIWASCO) Managing Director (MD) Thomas Odongo said over 44 water companies have confirmed participation adding that measures have been put in place to ensure that the activities run smoothly.
This he said would serve as a precursor to the Afri-Cities conference to be held in Kisumu from 17th – 22nd May 2022 where over 6, 000 delegates were expected to attend.
He said the theme of this year’s edition ‘fighting non-revenue water through consumer engagement and sports’, resonates well with the efforts being made to curb the menace.
Odongo said non-revenue water (water that is treated but goes to waste) continued to pose a great challenge to the sector with about 45% of treated water being lost nationally.
“This is almost half of what we produce. Those who are participating and the spectators are going to get this message and help us fight non-revenue water by being vigilant and reporting leakages, bursts and illegal connections,” he said.
Besides fostering national cohesion and integration, participants are also expected to benchmark and learn from each other on the best practices to enhance service delivery.
Hotels in the lakeside city are fully booked with small traders and food vendors securing space at the three venues to do business.
Kisumu National Polytechnic will host all the ball games and choir with the other games being played at Cosmopolitan, Aga Khan Hall and Mama Grace Onyango Social Center.
Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang Nyong’o is expected to officially open the games on 19th April 2022 at Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium.
Odongo said all covid-19 protocols shall be observed during the competition to ensure that participants and spectators remained safe.
He said all the players must show proof of vaccination adding that the County Department of Health would provide covid-19 testing services at all the venues.
By Chris Mahandara
