The Machakos residents will not pay for water for the next seven months following a decision by the County Government to waive all consumption bills with effect from May 1.
Announcing the move on Monday, the Machakos governor, Dr. Alfred Mutua said the move was meant to cushion the locals from the adverse effects of the tough measures announced by the government towards containing the spread of the new corona virus pandemic.
“Due to the slow-down of the economy perpetuated by the corona virus pandemic and anticipation of further stringent measures by our national government, I propose more economic actions to further cushion mwananchi from its effects,” the governor said in a statement released to the media.
“I am waiving all water charges for household consumption in Machakos County from May 1st until the end of the year as we continue working towards free domestic water in the whole of Machakos County,” Dr. Mutua stated.
He said it was at difficult times like the one the country is going through that deliberate steps towards safeguarding the poor and vulnerable should be taken by those in authority.
“It is at times like these that we need to remember that Kenya is not only for the able and the rich,” he noted.
At the same time, Dr. Mutua called on vital utility organizations like Kenya Power and the several water companies in the country to consider waiving their bills for wananchi during this time of the pandemic.
“I urge the Kenya Power to waive electric bills for household consumption for the next six months. I also call on public water companies around the country to also not charge water for household consumption for a similar period,” the governor appealed.
He similarly called on the National Treasury to waive VAT tax on paraffin and cooking gas in order to enable Kenyans make some savings that could be directed to purchase of essential food during this difficult time.
By Justus Keesi
