Corruption hindering water supply in Kitui County, officials say

According to officials, illegal connections, lack of repairs of water leakages and uncollected revenue were some of the reasons why water supply in Kitui County was not performing optimally.

The STAWI programme chief of party Bob Kisyula and Mr Martin Mulongo, an official with the USAID agreed that efforts to provide adequate water to the vast county were not successful due to alleged graft practices. They were speaking at a Kitui town hotel during a stakeholders meeting that ran for three days.

Kasyula averred that among the corrupt officials at water supply networks were government officials.

"We know what is happening to any water projects that is not functioning including Kitwasco and Kimwasco", said the STAWI chief of party.

Kasyula said that Kitwasco was unable to account for 52 per cent of water pumped while Kimwasco found it hard to explain 39 per cent of water losses which translated to huge financial loss.

The STAWI boss questioned why Ngomeni Rock Catchment water project was unable to meet the cost of repairs whenever it breaks down get it records a monthly revenue collection of KSh400,000.

STAWI  and the Governor Dr Julius Malombe-led county developed a joint work plan to ensure water access and resilience for Kitui county residents.