A public consultation held in Waberi has endorsed the renewal of the Garissa Water and Sanitation Company (GAWASCO) operating license and supported the proposed review of its water tariffs.
The meeting brought together representatives from the County Assembly of Garissa, the County Government, WASREB, national government agencies, Northern Water Works, UNICEF, ICPAK, GAWASCO customers, and other stakeholders, all of whom backed the company’s bid to strengthen service delivery.
GAWASCO Managing Director Mohamed Dolal told participants that the utility has been operating under tariffs set in 2010, despite significant rises in electricity costs, maintenance expenses, chemical prices, staff salaries, and repayment of investment loans.
These expenses now account for about 76 percent of the company’s revenue, prompting the push for tariff adjustments.
Under the proposed structure, households consuming up to 120 units will pay an additional Sh0.80 per unit, those using up to 80 units will see an increase of Sh0.53 per unit, while large consumers such as hotels and car wash operators using more than 300 units per month will incur an extra Sh0.60 per unit.
Stakeholders agreed that the adjustments were necessary to ensure sustainable and reliable water service provision across Garissa.
GAWASCO Board Vice Chair Osman Barkhadle, who also addressed the forum, emphasized that the proposed tariff review was not intended to burden consumers but to protect the long-term stability of the water utility.
“Our priority as a board is to ensure that Garissa residents receive reliable, safe, and consistent water services,” Barkhadle said.
“For over a decade, GAWASCO has operated under outdated tariffs while the cost of running the system has steadily increased. Without revising the tariff structure, the company’s ability to maintain infrastructure, respond to breakdowns, and invest in new supply systems will be severely constrained.”
He added that the board remains committed to transparency and accountable service delivery.
“We want the public to understand that every shilling collected will be reinvested back into improving water availability, expanding coverage, and enhancing customer experience,” he noted.
“This review is a necessary step to safeguard the future of water services in Garissa.”
Stakeholders at the consultation echoed the board’s assurances, noting that the adjustments were essential for sustaining and improving water provision across the county.
