By S, KNA
Residents of Vihiga County are set to enjoy improved water services following the opening of new offices for the Vihiga Water and Sanitation Company (VIWASCO) and the inauguration of a new board of directors.
The new offices, located at the Municipal Grounds in Mbale, will serve as a central hub to strengthen coordination between VIWASCO and the County Government’s Department of Water.
Speaking during the launch, Vihiga Governor, Dr Wilber Khasilwa Ottichilo, urged the water company to embrace renewable energy to reduce operational costs and ensure uninterrupted water supply to residents.
“We have established more than 24 water projects that are powered by solar energy. I want us to gradually shift from the national grid to green energy because the cost of electricity used in pumping water is colossal,” said Governor Ottichilo.
Dr Ottichilo also tasked the newly appointed VIWASCO board with addressing the county’s 45 percent non-revenue water losses and fast-tracking automation of water services to improve efficiency and revenue collection.
He noted that automation would help map out VIWASCO’s clientele, streamline billing, and expand access to safe water for more households.
The governor further highlighted the county’s progress in expanding access to clean water, saying the Department of Water, in collaboration with the Department of Climate Change, has connected over 10,000 residents to safe water sources.
The newly inaugurated board members include Josephine Nyambasi, Dr Robert Kati, Solomon Omutoko, Beverly Imire, John Chepseba, CPA James Mwangu, CPA James Atemba, Dr Noel Malanda, and Tom Musungu.
Also present at the event were Deputy Governor, Wilberforce Kitiezo, County Executive Committee Member for Environment, Water, Climate Change and Natural Resources Dr. Jairus Amayi, other CEC Members, Chief Officers, Members of the County Assembly, and county officials.
