Bomet: Bomet County Government is committed to providing clean potable water to the public, Governor Prof. Hillary Barchok has said. Speaking at Kabungut in Bomet Central Subcounty, the governor noted that with the inauguration of the new Bomet Water and Sanitation Company (BOMWASCO) Board of Management, water supply in the county will be revitalized.
According to Kenya News Agency, during the board inauguration, Governor Barchok assured the new board of his full support, pledging to facilitate their operations, fund interventions, and collaborate with stakeholders to ensure BOMWASCO successfully meets the county's growing water needs. He urged the board to move swiftly to address water supply challenges in Bomet County and ensure residents have uninterrupted access to clean water.
Since its incorporation in 2013, BOMWASCO has expanded from 7 to 14 water schemes but faces significant demand pressure, particularly in Bomet town, due to population growth. Water demand has surged with an increased student population at institutions like Bomet University College, which requires 4,500 cubic metres of water. However, the Bomet Water Supply Scheme currently produces only 1,200 cubic metres, falling short of its 2,500 cubic metre design capacity.
Governor Barchok tasked the board to urgently tackle the 63 percent Non-Revenue Water (NRW) loss from illegal connections, infrastructure damage, and high-power costs. He emphasized that savings from these efforts should fund scheme improvements and last-mile connections to meet rising demand. He also highlighted the need to solarise water plants to reduce electricity costs.
As part of interventions to cut electricity expenses, the Department of Water, Sanitation, Environment and Climate Change, through FLLoCA funding, has initiated solarisation of water schemes including Bomet Water Supply and Longisa Water Supply, alongside community-identified spring protection and pipeline extension projects.