A tangible solution regarding water scarcity in Kericho il gioco delle carte solitario County has been reached.
This follows a one month standoff between Kericho and Bomet Counties over Itare Water Supply.
Lake Victoria South Water Works Development Agency (LVSWWDA) initiated and oversaw the signing of an agreement between the two counties.
The agreement will end the current stalemate that has seen the over 200,000 residents of Kericho suffer for lack of water since December 2021.
This was after a stalemate between the two counties following disconnection of Itare Water Scheme due to pending payment of electricity bills.
LVSWWDA Chairman Mr. Dan Omino, OGW said the Agency began engaging Kericho Water and Sanitation Company (KEWASCO) and Bomet Water and Sanitation Company (BOMWASCO) a month ago.
Thereafter, leaders from both counties assembled in Kisumu for the last three days and an agreement was reached.
Bomet Governor Dr. Hillary Barchok said that the two counties are brothers hence it was necessary to resolve their differences that begun in December 2021.
Kericho County Governor Prof. Paul Chepkwony said he was happy that the issue has been resolved. He said Kericho pulled out of the initial agreement due to high electricity bills. He however promised that Kericho County will fulfill its obligation and abide to the resolutions
The two governors and LVSWWDA Chairman signed the agreement, which was witnessed by LVSWWDA Acting Chief Executive Officer Mr. Chrispine Juma and other technocrats.
The parties agreed that Bomet Water and Sanitation Company (BOMWASCO) shall resume immediate supply of at least 40% of the production and a minimum of 3,500m3/day of water to Kericho Water and Sanitation Company (KEWASCO).
KEWASCO is expected to settle outstanding water bill of KShs. 15 Million within 14 days from the date of agreement (18th February, 2022), being part of payment owed to BOMWASCO.
Payment of the outstanding water bill of KShs. 14.5 Million owed by KEWASCO shall be paid either in part or full within Ninety (90) days from 18th February, 2022.
KEWASCO is also expected to pay current water bills as and when they fall due. BOMWASCO shall in the meantime continue with the operation and management of Itare Water Supply Scheme.
Itare Water treatment works is a cross- county water supply. Its assets and liabilities are held by the County Government of Bomet in trust of the national government.
On 8th April 2015, the County Government of Bomet through Bomet Water and Sanitation Company (BOMWASCO) signed a Bulk Water Supply Agreement (BWA) with Tililbei Water and Sanitation Company (TILWASCO).
The BWS Agreement stipulated that BOMWASCO to supply of 3,500 M3 per day of portable water to TILWASCO who was required to pay for the water after billing.
Since 24th December, 2021 to-date, BOMWASCO disconnected water supply to Kericho area of Litein and Kapkatet due to failure of KEWASCO to settle the KES 29.5 Million pending bill. Conversely, KEWASCO has not been able to bill their customers on the disconnected network and continue to lose revenue and ability to pay.
