National Water Harvesting & Storage Authority Chairman Mr. Erick Okeyo MBS, MKIM; Directors Jane Mwikali and Elema Isack accompanied by the Chief Executive Officer CS. Sharon Obonyo and Members of Staff recently visited Kakamega and engaged the leadership of the County in addition to commissioning the Shimanyiro Community Borehole.
The entourage first met the Deputy County Commissioner Mr. Dennis S. Ogola who represented the County Commissioner. Mr. Ogola appreciated the courtesy call by the Chairman noting that water was essential in these times of Covid-19 and any ventures by the Authority towards improving the supply were welcomed. He thanked NWHSA for the donation of 5No. washing tanks that would go a long way in the fight against the pandemic.
The team also met the Deputy Governor H.E. Prof. Philip M. Kutima for a briefing. During the brief, the Chairman outlined the key mandates of the Authority and challenged the County Government to engage our Business Development Unit (BDU) in undertaking their water projects at the government approved rates without procurement challenges.
Prof. Kutima noted that water was critical in the County and they were undertaking major water projects within the 12 sub-Counties. These were pegged in the 2 – 3 years Vision when it is expected that everyone should have access to water in line with the clarion call: “Matsi khu Mukuru” meaning water at the doorstep.
The County team appreciated what the Authority was doing and accepted the challenge from the Chairman on engagement with BDU. Prof. Kutima promised to initiate the signing of an MoU for engagement.
NWHSA also took the opportunity to donate 5No. washing tanks in line with the fight against Covid-19.
Mr. Okeyo also had an extensive tour of the only regional office for NWHSA. He inspected the yard where various plant & equipment were and directed the CEO to ensure funds are availed to repair those that had mechanical issues for use by BDU. He urged quick repair of RR7, RR12 and RR14 to aid in the many works arising from the MoUs we have been signing. He also promised to fast-track the development of the HR tools and organization structure so that staff may enjoy the resultant benefits.
The Chairman also commissioned and handed over the Shimanyiro Borehole located at St. Paul’s Catholic Church compound at Shimanyiro within Ikolomani sub-County of Kakamega County. The borehole was drilled for the community of Shimanyiro under Performance Contract (PC) during the transition period from National Water Conservation & Pipeline Corporation to National Water Harvesting & Storage Authority. It was therefore not officially commissioned/handed over to the beneficiary community or government agencies
It has since operated without major hitches except for minor mechanical break-down with its prime mover, the Lister Petter generating set (TR2) which has now been repaired and is fully operational.
The entourage also visited the County Government offices and was well received. Despite a number of operational challenges, the goodwill and opportunities available within the County for NWHSA are many.