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{
    "id": 1347474,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1347474/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 346,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Mungatana, MGH",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "Madam Temporary Speaker, I thank you for giving me the opportunity to make my contribution to the Water (Amendment) Bill, that has just been very ably moved by the Senate Majority Leader, Senator for Kericho County, Sen. Aron Cheruiyot. I congratulate the Mover of the Bill. This is because he has pointed out to a few but very important issues that we are facing around water within the counties. I was invited to sit in the County Public Investments and Special Funds Committee headed by our very own Sen. Osotsi. In that sitting, Tana River County was required to explain some of the problems that Tana River Water and Sewerage Company (TAWASCO) is facing. There were very serious governance issues and many financial problems. There were also issues of compliance with the requirements that would make the TAWASCO operational in a manner that would help the people of Tana River. Madam Temporary Speaker, I was surprised to learn that TAWASCO was unable to meet certain requirements that would enable it to access funding from international organisation. Some of those requirements are so basic. They include; involving an incorporation certificate, contracting an advocate who would take them through and a simple follow up with Government offices so that they can get what is required in terms of compliance. TAWASCO was unable to access huge grants just because of that. These huge grants would enable it to give serious water works in Tana River county. In comparison, you will find that other counties that had already met those criteria were able to access the funding from international donors. These counties were able to meet the criterion because of follow up. I then ask myself, what if TAWASCO was in partnership with a private person who would follow up on things because that is the source of his income and livelihood? What if that private person was part and parcel of TAWASCO and he or she had shares there? Would he be defeated to follow up some certificates so that he can access a grant? Would he be defeated to follow up on basic requirement such as a certificate of incorporation, so that he can access some grants worth billions? Would he be requiring the County Public Investments and Special Funds Committee to order him to do that? My answer is; No. A private person will be self-driven. He or she would do anything possible to acquire cheap credit and grants to enable the business to thrive. We are now coming up with a law that is opening up opportunities for county governments that we serve, to enter into partnerships with responsible partners so that they can raise required capital requirements, look for funding and maybe go into long- term contracts with those who have money."
}