Eldoret Water and Sewerage Company (ELDOWAS) has come up with a move to sensitise the public and its customers on proper usage of water.
The Company Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Peter Biwott said the company has initiated a public campaign known as Linda Maji Mtaani, which will see ELDOWAS representatives work with customers to address theft and wastage of water through leaking and broken pipes across various estates in Eldoret.
“The water we have is not enough and the population has increased more than the rates of increase of our water infrastructure,” he said.
Mr Biwott urged area residents to help in the restoration and conservation of water catchment areas for stable water provision in the county.
He warned the residents against illegal water connections, noting that they have a deficit of about 20 million litres of water per day therefore residents should connect officially so that they are able to reach everyone and reduce or eliminate rationing.
“As we embark on tree planting activities in our catchment areas residents should join in the initiative as tree planting helps in the conservation of the environment and it’s the best way to help mitigate the effects of climate change,” he noted.
Biwott said to achieve the plan, through Iten water fund with nature conservancy, they have distributed 1 million tree seedlings, avocado seedlings and napier grass to farmers to plant on the farms.
He noted that in order for conservation to take root in the areas, there is a need to change the economic activities and culture of the people.
“The initiative also aims to mobilise and engage the youth to participate in the tree planting exercise and other greening activities through sports like cycling and art,” he said.
“We are working with the county government of Uasin Gishu to promote zero grazing, use of biogas, and apiculture,” Biwott said.
He further said that residents should stop depending on the forest as a source of biomass or fuel since through the project with the county it will help improve the livelihoods of the people.
To reverse the situation of climate change, Biwott said there is need to move with speed to conserve the water catchment areas as this will guarantee a water secure environment in the region.
By Judy Too and Ekuwam Sylvester
