• Cases of water pipes being destroyed have been on the rise in various parts of the country.
• However, road agencies have in most cases gone on the defence of the contractors accusing water companies of laying pipes on road reserves.
Image: HANDOUT
Water Principal Secretary Paul Rono has said that project contractors will bear the full cost for any damage of water infrastructure that arises.
Speaking on Monday after signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Kericho county, the PS said they are turning focus on protecting existing infrastructure as a way of addressing non-revenue water.
He particularly singled out contractors doing roads, electricity and fibre optic cable connections.
"When we talk about water management, I don't expect further destructions...we cannot be investing billions yet we are failing to manage it," Rono said.
He added that it was regrettable that billions of money was being spent yearly on water projects yet little focus has been given into it.
Rono called on the contractors and Kenyans at large to take the lead role in protecting water pipeline systems or meters along road reserves against damage to prevent taxpayers' money from going into waste.
"We want to be seen as responsible in management of these resources that Kenyans have given us in terms of taxpayers to use in deploying these infrastructure is protected," Rono said.
He said the government spends a lot to provide the resources to Kenyans.
Cases of water pipes being destroyed have been on the rise in various parts of the country.
The conflicts have been between various water companies on one hand and contractors on the other.
However, road agencies have in most cases gone on the defence of the contractors accusing water companies of laying pipes on road reserves.
During the event, Rono signed an agreement on non-revenue water and flagged off the police unit that will protect the water infrastructure in the county.
According to the PS, the government loses at least 52 per cent yearly on non-revenue water.
This is through illegal connections, vandalism, corruption and leakages among others.
At the same time, it was agreed that the two counties of Kericho and Bomet will separate meters as a solution to the longstanding tussle over the management of Itare water supply project.
The PS also inspected the expansion works of the Kimugu intake water supply system for Kericho Town and commissioned Kapsoit and Chemegong water supply projects in the county.