Lodwar, 19th September 2024 (Public Communications and Media Relations)
The leadership of Turkana’s newly formed water companies is calling for financial support to meet the legal requirements for obtaining operating licenses from the Water Services Regulatory Board (WASREB).
Led by the Chair of the Turkana Urban Water Company Board, Philip Aemun, he emphasized that failure to secure licenses would reverse the progress made so far and jeopardize the investments already poured into the companies.
Speaking during a meeting with WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) implementing partners, Aemun urged stakeholders to provide assistance within the next three months, noting that the window for registration was closing rapidly.
“A water supply company qualifies for licensing only after fulfilling key requirements, including formulating a tariff for services, creating a performance improvement plan, significantly reducing non-revenue water, and developing both a strategic and business plan. These steps require time and funding, and any support during this critical period will be appreciated,” Aemun explained.
Chair of the Turkana Rural Water Company Board, Paul Merinyang, echoed Aemun’s sentiments, stating that the requested support could mean the difference between the success and failure of the companies.
He acknowledged the county government’s efforts, alongside some organizations, in providing governance training and orientation for the companies.
However, he stressed that additional resources are vital to ensure the companies meet the stringent WASREB requirements.
While acknowledging the urgent need for the support as articulated by the board chairs, the Managing Director of Turkana Urban Water Company, Esther Lokitoe said that they would convene round table meetings with individual partners to formally seek for assistance.
“We must start knocking at your doors, and for sure we will. Just get prepared for us as time is not on our side,” MD Lokitoe insisted.
Additionally, Managing Director of the Rural Water Company, Victorsam Ekaran, added that the WASH meeting had provided an opportune platform for information exchange on the way forward for water companies in Turkana.
Director Ekaran pointed out that the compliance sought for would not only elevate the legal status of the companies but also open further opportunities for funding through World Bank Funded Performance for Results program such as K-WASH and Horn of Africa Ground Water for Resilience project (HoAGW4R).
He emphasized the significance of the WASH forum in unpacking the ultimate goal of a water secure Turkana and the input required to sustainably attain the vision in line with Governor Lomorukai nine-point agenda that recognizes water as a priority need.
So far, in line with County Water Act of 2019, Turkana has formed three water companies as response to rural, urban and refugees hosting areas water needs.
