Bridging Naivasha’s water gap
Efforts to expand access to reliable water services in Naivasha have received a boost following discussions between water sector experts and Naivasha Water and Sanitation Company Limited on improving last-mile connectivity under a bulk water Public-Private Partnership (PPP) project.
The engagement, facilitated by VEI through the WaterWorX programme, brought together experts and alumni from Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) and representatives of Naivasha Water and Sanitation Company to examine opportunities for strengthening water distribution and extending services to more customers.
The discussions focused on findings from various surveys and technical studies conducted to assess the existing water distribution network, identify operational challenges and explore opportunities to connect new customers while improving services for existing consumers.
The last-mile project forms part of a broader bulk water PPP initiative being developed by Haskoning and Rebel. The initiative seeks to address challenges associated with water distribution and improve the delivery of water services by examining how bulk water infrastructure can be linked effectively to consumers.
Participants exchanged views on the challenges affecting the distribution network and explored possible interventions to improve the efficiency and reach of the water supply system. The engagement also provided an opportunity to examine the potential for expanding connections to areas and households that may not yet be adequately served.
Last-mile connectivity is an important component of water service delivery because investments in bulk water infrastructure must be complemented by effective distribution networks to ensure that water reaches individual households, institutions and businesses.
Improving these connections can help water service providers make better use of available supplies, extend coverage and respond to the needs of growing populations. It can also create opportunities for connecting additional customers, potentially supporting improved revenue collection and the long-term sustainability of water utilities.
VEI’s involvement through the WaterWorX programme reflects the importance of collaboration and knowledge exchange in addressing challenges within the water sector. Bringing together technical experts, utility representatives and project developers enables stakeholders to share experiences, evaluate evidence and identify practical approaches to improving service delivery.
The participation of TU Delft alumni also provided an opportunity to draw on professional expertise in examining the findings of the surveys and studies and considering possible solutions to the identified challenges.
The discussions underscore the need for coordinated planning between water utilities, technical partners and infrastructure developers to ensure that bulk water investments translate into improved access at the consumer level.
As the bulk water PPP project continues to develop, the insights gathered through the engagement could help inform efforts to strengthen the distribution network, increase customer connections and support more sustainable water services in Naivasha.
