Wasreb seeks to review water distribution boundaries in Murang'a

The Water Service Regulatory Board (Wasreb) has called for a meeting to end conflict over control of water provision services in Murang'a county.

The regulator has scheduled the forum to be attended by the county government officials and two water service providers with the intention to deliberate the review of the water distribution boundaries.

In a circular dated January 15, seen by The Standard, the regulator proposes to redraw the WSP borders following the protracted battle between Murang'a Water (Muwasco) and Murang'a South Water (Muswasco).

The two firms have been fighting over the control of the water sector in Maragua with Muwasco accused of encroaching on an area that Muswasco has been allocated by the regulator.

Wasreb Acting CEO Julius Itunga in a circular to Murang'a County Water and Environment CEC Mary Magochi, notified her of the scheduled meeting on January 30, in Nairobi.

"Both Muwasco and Muswasco should continue with provision of water services in their respective license areas. Any expansion/ Inversion into an area of service without prior approval of Wasreb is a violation of the law and the responsible water service provider will be liable for non compliance," reads the circular in part

Also invited for the meeting are the Managing Directors Daniel Ng'ang'a (Muwasco) and Mary Nyaga (Muswasco) to deliberate and agree on the process for the review of the areas of service for water service providers in Murang'a guided by the law and aspirations of the county government.

The forum will also discuss the regulatory compliance status of the two giant water companies.

Last month, Murang'a Governor Irungu Kang'ata launched water programmes initiated by Muwasco in Mung'etho, Maranjau and Kambiti saying his administration will partner with water companies that have transferred ownership to the county government.

Kang'ata said the programme was a relief to the residents after decades of trekking long distances in search of the commodity in boreholes and rivers.

"I desire to ensure all parts of Murang'a have access to clean water," said the governor.

Other water companies are Gatanga, Murang'a West, and Gatamathi.