Thika Water and Sewerage Company (THIWASCO) has decried continued illegal water connections, which he said have led to huge losses besides disrupting supply to the more than 43,000 direct customers.
The Company’s Managing Director, Moses Kinya, said despite the Company raising revenue from Sh600 million to Sh1 billion annually, the Company was still incurring huge losses through the illegal connections.
Kinya said if not checked, the illegal connections may likely lead to an increase in water tariffs to bridge the loss gaps.
He appealed to members of the public to report any cases of theft of water or burst pipes to help minimise the losses.
The MD at the same time announced plans to expand the Company’s treatment sites and water sources in a bid to add an extra 110,000m³ of water per day, to help from the current 36,000 m³.
Among the projects, he said, is the construction of a 40-metre-high mega dam to produce 70,000m³ per day.
The dam, which will be located near the Kiama and Thika River junction, will be constructed through a partnership between the National Government and the Danish government (Danica) and is expected to commence by next year.
He said the dam was approved by the government in January and that designs for the projects are in place and procurement is ongoing.
Kinya added that the Company is relying on the extra 21,000 cubic meters per day from the Kariminu II Dam once the National Government secures the necessary funding to complete the project.
He said they are also working on efficient water treatment and distribution measures which they hope will add another 16,000 to 20,000 cubic metres.
“On the Kariminu 11 Dam connections, the process is so far going on well. The government has identified the contractor. However, funding is still the challenge,” Kinya said while addressing a stakeholder’s forum in Thika town.
In addition, the official said there are at least 16,000 new sewer line connections, which has partly contributed to the improved revenue collection.
Board Chair, Maina Ruo, noted that the Company has long-term plans meant to increase supply to match the projected population growth, which indicates that by the year 2047, there will be a water deficit of 110,000 cubic meters in Thika town.
At the same time, he expressed confidence that the water firm is prepared to meet the demands of Thika’s proposed industrial city status.
Echoing the urgent need for government support, Thika Business Community Chair Alfred Wanyoike called on the National Government to fast-track funding, emphasising that residents have endured persistent water shortages.
By Muoki Charles
