BY SILAS APOLLO
County Public Investments and Special Funds Committee is worried about Sh71 million debt choking the Muranga County-owned water companies, warning they risk crippling their operations.
In particular, the committee singled out Murang’a Water and Sanitation Company (Muwasco) whose debt has grown exponentially in the last three years – from Sh60 million in December 2020, the company’s debt had jumped to Sh71 million as of January 2023, surging by an additional Sh5 million to stand at Sh76 million by July 2023.
When Governor Irungu Kangata appeared before the committee last week, he was given seven days to submit a written commitment on how the government plans to clear the debt.
“We will submit a written repayment plan within the seven days. However, we will pay Sh10 million to the company in September this year as part of our effort to reduce the debt,” said Governor Kang’ata.
Apart from Muwasco, the county is home to Murang’a South Water and Sanitation Company Limited, Murang’a West Water and Sanitation Company Limited, Gatanga Community Scheme and Gatamathi Water and Sanitation Company Limited.
Senator Osotsi further directed the governor to furnish the committee with information about Fort Beverage Industries Limited, a subsidiary of Murang’a Water and Sanitation Company, within 14 days.
The information should include ownership details and operational specifics. The deadline for this submission is set at 14 days.
The County executive and County Assembly were directed to jointly finalise the enactment of the County Water Act, a piece of law that is crucial in enhancing the operations of all water companies within the county.
