Coast water agency pushes stronger water supply
Efforts to strengthen reliable water supply across Kenya’s Coast Region have received renewed attention following an engagement between the Coast Water Works Development Agency (CWWDA) Board of Directors and leaders of four Water Service Providers (WSPs).
The meeting brought together Chairpersons and Managing Directors from MOWASSCO, MAWASCO, KIMAWASCO and TAVEVO to discuss challenges affecting the delivery and sustainability of bulk water services to communities.
Led by CWWDA Board Chairman Mr. Kadhua Kimani, the engagement focused on issues that directly influence the ability of Water Service Providers to receive and distribute adequate water to consumers. Discussions included the status of existing bulk water systems, outstanding bulk water bills and payment arrangements, as well as the management of assets developed for the benefit of the water utilities.
Reliable bulk water supply remains an important foundation for delivering water to households, institutions and businesses. Water Service Providers depend on bulk water infrastructure and supplies to meet demand within their service areas, making the effective operation and financial sustainability of these systems critical to continuity of services.
The discussions therefore placed emphasis on strengthening cooperation between the Agency and WSPs while addressing financial obligations associated with bulk water supply. Chairman Kimani reaffirmed CWWDA’s commitment to supporting the utilities but also urged the service providers to honour outstanding bulk water bills.
The Agency noted that timely settlement of bulk water bills is important in maintaining the financial sustainability of water supply systems. Revenue generated from bulk water services supports the continued operation and maintenance of infrastructure, making financial discipline an important component of reliable water delivery.
Beyond financial obligations, the engagement highlighted the need for closer coordination among institutions involved in the water supply chain. Effective collaboration can help identify operational challenges early, improve planning and ensure that infrastructure developed to support water service provision is effectively utilised.
The discussion on assets developed for Water Service Providers also underlined the importance of ensuring that water infrastructure delivers its intended benefits to communities. Well-managed infrastructure can help strengthen water supply networks and improve the reliability of services, particularly in areas experiencing growing demand.
The participation of the four Water Service Providers provided an opportunity for the institutions to address shared challenges and explore ways of improving their working relationship. The engagement also reinforced the importance of partnerships in advancing sustainable water service delivery across the Coast Region.
CWWDA has continued to work with Water Service Providers as part of efforts to strengthen water security and improve access to dependable water services. Such collaboration is particularly important as communities require water systems that can provide services consistently rather than relying on short-term interventions.
The meeting consequently placed sustainable bulk water supply at the centre of discussions, with both the Agency and the participating utilities recognizing the need to address operational and financial challenges affecting water delivery.
Strengthening bulk water systems, improving payment arrangements and maintaining productive relationships between water agencies and service providers could help create a more resilient water supply chain for communities across the Coast Region.
The engagement marks another step towards closer institutional cooperation, with CWWDA reaffirming its commitment to working with Water Service Providers to safeguard sustainable bulk water services and support more reliable access to water for communities.
