Lodwar- February 26, 2025 (Public Communications and Media Relations)
The staff from the defunct Lodwar Water and Sanitation Company (LOWASCO) have officially transitioned to Turkana Urban Water and Sanitation Company (TUWASCO).
This is the final step in the restructuring of water service management in Turkana County. TUWASCO, one of three county-owned water utilities, is now entitled to set quality standards, and enhance service delivery.
The transition comes after the takeover of assets, financial management, and operational control that happened around June 2024.
To ensure a smooth transition, TUWASCO held a one-day workshop to sensitize staff on the legal implications of the move and share the company’s vision.
“As a new company established under the County Water Act 2019, we have a legal obligation to effectively manage our workforce. The new contracts under TUWASCO mark the beginning of that process,” said Acting Managing Director Benedict Ekeru.
MD Ekeru emphasized the need for improved revenue collection and service delivery, hinting at the introduction of a performance appraisal system to enhance efficiency and accountability among staff.
Speaking on the legal aspects of the transition, County Director of Legal Services, Ekai Nabenyo, noted that the move would stabilize the company and ensure full compliance with employment regulations.
Sharing that the transition brings clarity, the staff shared “We were uncertain about our future after LOWASCO was dissolved, but with these new contracts, we now have job security and can focus on delivering services,” said Mzee Ebei, a longtime employee.
However, he also raised concerns over pending gratuity payments owed to staff by the defunct LOWASCO.
Addressing the staff, Chairperson of the Board of Directors, Philip Aemun Ebei, assured them that TUWASCO was committed to resolving all outstanding financial obligations from the takeover.
“As a new company, we are keen on getting things right from the start. Transitioning staff was necessary to avoid service disruptions. Now, we will conduct a full audit to establish the outstanding gratuity costs, wages, and other payments due to staff,” he said.
Aemun also urged employees to embrace the changes as an opportunity to rebrand TUWASCO, setting it apart from the negative reputation associated with LOWASCO.
