Water Service Resumes

 

Lugari

November 29,2011              By Kakamegatimes

 

After going for two weeks without piped water, residents of Lumakanda trading centre can now enjoy this vital commodity again.

This was after the Water Resource Management Authority (WRMA) reconnected the centre’s main water supply pump last Friday, which it had disconnected two weeks ago over unpaid water bills.

Speaking to the media today, Lugari District Water Officer, Mr. Ernest Odwori, has confirmed that WRMA restored water distribution services within Lumakanda centre (the headquarters for Lugari district) and its neighbourhood following an agreement between the organization and Engineer David Stower, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Water.

Mr. Odwori disclosed that Stower had written to WRMA officials asking them to reconnect all water schemes that had been disconnected countrywide, while his office worked on logistics for eventual settlement of the bills.

Accompanied by their chairperson, Mr. Francis Nyenye, WRMA officials from Nairobi led by their Chief Executive Office, Engineer Philip Olum, disconnected water services at Lugari district headquarter a fortnight ago due to Sh 700,000 water bills in arrears owed to it by the district’s water department.

The move adversely disrupted water services in the area, with Lumakanda district hospital being the worst hit.

Reacting on the two weeks of water shortage, Lugari District Public Health Officer, Mr. Festus Anaya, appealed to WRMA officers asking them to always serve relevant authorities with a two week notice when they have intentions of closing taps in order to enable key institutions like hospitals prepare themselves adequately in advance.