The Senate Committee on County Public Investments and Special Funds has directed Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti to oversee reforms in Machakos Water Companies in 90 days.
The committee led by Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, met with Governor Wavinya Ndeti and a delegation from the County Thursday to discuss the Auditor General’s Report on the Financial Statement of the Municipal Council of Machakos Water and Sewerage Company Limited and Matungulu-Kangundo Water and Sewerage Company Limited for the financial years 2018/2019, 2019/2020, and 2020/2021.
According to the Senators, the report highlighted serious management challenges in the two water companies. They directed Governor Wavinya to undertake a total restructuring of the two water companies.
This includes the reconstitution of the Boards of Management, the top management, and the introduction of performance contracting for all employees.
“In addition, the Governor was directed to undertake asset mapping for the water companies and submit an updated asset register to the Committee within 90 days. The Committee also recommended that the Governor work closely with the County Assembly in enacting the County Water Act to support the operations of the companies within 90 days.” A press statement by Senate read in part.
Governor Wavinya was also directed to ensure full ownership of the water companies by the County Government of Machakos within 90 days. The move aims to streamline the management of the companies and ensure they are better equipped to deliver quality services to the people of Machakos County.
The Committee recommended that the Governor, in collaboration with the Ethics and Anticorruption Commission (EACC), investigate the operations of the water companies.
The investigation will focus on the issue of Non-Revenue Water, which stood at 43 percent for the Municipal Council of Machakos Water and Sewerage Company Limited and 52 percent for Matungulu-Kangundo Water and Sewerage Company Limited. Non Revenue water is water that is pumped and then lost or unaccounted for.
Further, the investigation is meant to assess the possibility of illegal connections and corrupt practices in water connections. The Governor has been directed to file a preliminary report before the Committee within 7 days.
