By Brian Ayatta
The County Government of Siaya, through the Department of Public Works, Roads, Energy and Transport convened an inter-agency meeting with the Department of Water, Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change and Siaya-Bondo Water and Sanitation Company Limited (SIBOWASCO) to deliberate on measures aimed at mitigating losses resulting from damage to water infrastructure during road construction projects across the county.
Hon. Erick Abungu Odawa, County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Public Works, Roads, Energy and Transport, emphasized the need for proactive planning, continuous consultation, and joint implementation of projects to safeguard public investments and minimize service disruptions. As a way forward, he directed the concerned departments and agencies to strengthen coordination mechanisms, undertake joint site assessments before commencement of projects, and ensure timely communication whenever infrastructure works are planned. He further urged all stakeholders to remain focused on delivering efficient and sustainable services to the residents of Siaya County through a spirit of collaboration and shared responsibility.
During the meeting, SIBOWASCO Technical Services Manager, Eng. Dedan Otieno Otiato, together with Sub-County Water Engineer, Eng. Wanyang Joseph, presented a comprehensive incident report highlighting the extent of damage caused to water infrastructure during ongoing and completed road works. The presentation outlined several affected projects, including Siaya-Kababa Ring Road, Ugunja Ring Road, Ndori Ring Road, Camunya Ring Road (Ugunja), Dienya Road (Gem), Pandy Zone Pipeline (Siaya), Kopolo Pipeline (South Sakwa), Kidstar Pipeline (Ugunja), and Sega Pipeline (Ugenya).
The report indicated that key water infrastructure components affected included transmission mains, chambers, fittings, and consumer connections. These damages have significantly disrupted water supply services, affecting approximately 8,200 customer connections and impacting more than 50,000 residents, as well as numerous public and private institutions across the affected areas.
To sustain essential services during the interruptions, SIBOWASCO has been undertaking emergency interventions, including the provision of water bowser services to institutions and communities experiencing prolonged supply disruptions. The meeting also noted persistent complaints from affected residents regarding lack of water and the associated public health risks.
Speaking during the meeting, SIBOWASCO Managing Director, CPA Adipo Isaiah, noted that the damage to water infrastructure has adversely affected customer engagement, with many customer accounts becoming dormant due to prolonged supply interruptions. He emphasized that the resulting decline in active customer data continues to impact the utility's operations and revenue performance.
The Managing Director urged all departments to work collectively in the interest of the people, stressing that they serve under one government with a shared responsibility of delivering quality services to the same citizens. He called for enhanced coordination and commitment among all stakeholders to ensure that development projects do not compromise essential public services.
In response to the report, officials from the Department of Roads, Transport and Public Works acknowledged the challenges presented and expressed their commitment to strengthening collaboration with the water sector. The department welcomed the findings positively and emphasized the importance of coordinated planning and implementation of infrastructure projects to prevent future damage to critical water assets.
Chief Officer for Public Works and Roads, Eng. Kevin Ajuul, acknowledged the extent of the damage caused to water infrastructure and reiterated the department's commitment to finding lasting solutions through enhanced inter-departmental collaboration. He emphasized that smooth implementation of development projects can only be achieved through continuous consultation and cooperation among the relevant departments.
He urged officers from the Department of Public Works, Roads, Energy and Transport to always work closely with the Department of Water, Environment and Natural Resources and SIBOWASCO to avoid similar occurrences in future. Further, he recommended that representatives from the water sector be incorporated into monthly project site visits to facilitate timely identification and resolution of potential risks to water infrastructure.
Chief Officer for Water and Irrigation, Hon. Judith Oyugi, underscored the importance of regular engagement and communication between the roads and water sectors. She urged the departments to institutionalize periodic consultative meetings to discuss ongoing and planned infrastructure projects, enabling timely sharing of information and coordinated decision-making. She noted that stronger collaboration would not only safeguard public investments but also enhance service delivery by ensuring that road development and water supply projects complement rather than disrupt one another.
Following extensive deliberations, the meeting resolved to prioritize the immediate restoration of damaged infrastructure through agreed timelines and joint technical supervision. Participants also discussed the establishment of a compensation framework to address asset replacement costs.
To prevent recurrence of similar incidents, the meeting further resolved to institute a preventive protocol that will include joint utility mapping, mandatory pre-construction approvals, and the involvement of SIBOWASCO in project planning and sign-off processes before commencement of road construction works.
The meeting was also attended by Madam Lilian Oluoch (Asset Manager SIBOWASCO), as well as road engineers, inspectors, and other technical officers from the respective departments.
The meeting marked an important step towards strengthening inter-agency collaboration and safeguarding critical water infrastructure while supporting the successful implementation of road development projects across Siaya County.