Murang’a West Water and Sanitation Company (MWEWASCO) has asked road contractors to consult with the water companies when designing roads to minimize interruption of water supply due to damaged pipes.
MWEWASCO Managing director, Eng. Ephantus Kamau, speaking at a public participation forum on water tariffs in Kangema noted that interruption of water supply caused by pipes damaged in road construction is a major challenge for the company in the region.
“The contractors sometimes destroy water pipes and the compensation and reconnection is a challenge as they should be responsible for relocating the pipes.”
Kamau urged contractors to consult with the water company so as to be informed on where the major water pipes are in order to minimize the damage where possible.
The director further explained to the water consumers and other stakeholders from across Kangema and Kahuro how improving connectivity is an important agenda for the company.
“The current connectivity rate for MWEWASCO is at 64 percent which we hope to increase to 71 percent by 2027,” Kamau said.
The public participation also discussed the revised water tariffs for the region as prescribed by the Water Services Regulatory Board (WASREB) in the water act of 2016 that requires public participation when effecting changes in prices.
Kamau noted that the new tariff the user will be paying for the water as per consumption as opposed to the current flat rate of Sh. 200 for consumers who use 0-6 cubic meters of water.
“The new tariffs are a win-win for all of us, especially the domestic consumers who will now pay for the water units (M3) they use and not a flat rate even when they have not consumed any water,” he said,
“In the current tariff the user of 0-6 units has been paying Sh. 200 for the water and an additional Sh. 50 for the meter, however in the proposed tariff the user will pay Sh. 90 for each unit for the first 1-6 units of water,” he explained.
Other proposed changes in pricing are that the user who has been paying Sh. 55 for the 7th to 20th unit consumed will now part with Sh. 95 for each unit.
Commercial/ industrial users as well as other institutions will part with Sh. 100 for each of the first 50 units which is an increment from the current average of Sh. 75 per unit.
George Mwangi, the newly elected chairman of MWEWASCO, noted that it was good that the residents present at the meeting unanimously approved the tariffs so that they can be implemented.
He also asked road contractors to work closely with the water companies so that interruptions in water supply do not proceed longer than necessary.
Frashia Wanjiku, former chair explained that the new tariffs once implemented will make the water company run effectively and also improve connectivity.
“The big water consumers will also be able to pay fair price for the water and therefore the water company will become sustainable,” she said,
Johnson Maina representing water consumers from Murarandia explained that the public participation forum was very beneficial and lauded the water and sewerage company on the new payment model where users will only pay for the water they have used.
“We have had challenges and complaints because of the flat rate payments and consumers have had to pay even when water supply has been interrupted by road works,” Maina said,
He noted that new rates are friendlier to the domestic consumers who spend just a few cubic meters of water.
“For example now if you only use two units you will pay Sh. 180 and not 250 as before,” he said.
He called upon the county government to allocate more funds towards connecting water to the homesteads that are not yet connected so that all residents can have access to safe water for domestic use.
By Purity Mugo
