The government is losing sh 6.5 billion annually in non-revenue water through illegal connections and non-budgeted repairs by water agencies. The Cabinet Secretary for Water and Sanitation Simon Chelugui said such losses in the ministry continued to hamper efforts to enhance access to clean waterfor millions across the country. Speaking during the celebrations of World Water Day at Mwasere Girls in Mwatate sub-county on Thursday, the CS said that all water services providers across the country must crackdown on all activities that were denying the government its proper revenue. “We are losing over sh 6.5 billion through illegal connections, non-budgetedrepairs on water infrastructure and criminal activities like tampering andby-passing of meters,” said the CS. He noted such huge losses come at time the ministry is seeking sh 60 billion toplug in a budget deficit to allow it to meet its strategic goals. The celebrations were attended by senior government officials including WaterPS Joseph Irungu, Chief Administrative Officer Winnie Guchu, Taita-TavetaGovernor Granton Samboja and chairpersons of Water Boards from Coast, Nyanzaand Rift Valley. Several local leaders including Members of County Assembly andcounty officials were present. Mr. Chelugui said the ministry needed sh 1.76 trillion shillings to help thegovernment achieve universal access to water by 2030. This translates to anannual requirement of sh 100 billion. Currently, the water sector receives anannual allocation of sh 40 billion. The CS said the ministry was in the processof drafting a Master Water Plan which will allow collaboration with strategicpartners to finance the budget gap. 

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