Lodwar, 24th March 2025 (Public Communication and Media Relations)
The newly constituted Board of Directors of Turkana Urban Water Company (TUWASCO) is stepping in with an ambitious plan to amicably address the perennial challenges of water supply facing residents of Lodwar Municipality.
For years, Lodwar residents have voiced their frustrations over erratic water supply, frequent breakdowns, and inequitable distribution.
From households in Napetet struggling with dry taps for days to business owners forced to buy expensive water from private vendors, the water crisis has been a constant battle.
Many have wondered whether a lasting solution would ever come.
Speaking on the sidelines of the World Water Day celebrations, Board Chair Philip Aemun assured the public that a well-structured strategy is in place to address the persistent challenges and create a more reliable water system.
He emphasized that the company is working towards full compliance with regulatory requirements to secure official licensing as a Water Service Provider (WSP) for a start.
This move, he said, would enable them to function within the legal framework, ensuring that Lodwar benefits from a water supply system that meets the local, national and global standards advocated for by WASREB and the Constitution.
“Becoming a licensed provider would also position the company to compete with other well-established service providers, opening opportunities for partnerships and improved efficiency,” Aemun said.
He further outlined plans to push for the full implementation of the Lodwar Municipality 25-Year Master Plan, which was developed by Turkana County and UNICEF under the recently concluded Strengthening County Resilience against WASH-related Climate Crisis (SCORE 1) project.
The master plan provides a long-term blueprint for water infrastructure in Lodwar, and its execution is expected to transform access by addressing gaps in distribution and storage.
While reiterating the board’s commitment to seeing the plan materialize, he said that the company was cognizant of the growing population and the need to serve the growing demand for water services.
The Board Chair divulged that the company will conduct a comprehensive mapping of all water connections within Lodwar to uncover bottlenecks in supply.
Aemun stated that the findings from this exercise will guide targeted interventions to streamline water distribution and eliminate disparities in access.
He further noted that the formal introduction of the Board by County Executive for Water, Patrick Losike Lokaimoe, during the World Water Day celebrations had strengthened their legitimacy and public confidence.
“We are now fully recognized as the legitimate office bearers, the board is keen to work with all stakeholders, particularly in efforts to protect the Napuu aquifer, a critical water source for Lodwar,” he added.
During the event, Aemun also highlighted key projects aimed at improving water supply, including the newly constructed water quality laboratory.
He also pointed to the newly established Borehole Six at Napuu, which will be instrumental in expanding Lodwar’s water supply network and ensuring that more households are included in the system.
One of the most pressing concerns raised by residents was the issue of water tariffs, with many arguing that the current rates were not pro-poor and did not cater adequately to low-income households.
Responding to these concerns, Aemun assured the public that the board is committed to reviewing the tariff structure to ensure that it is fair and inclusive while still allowing for the sustainability of water services.
