Mombasa MCAs question water firm over missing funds, sewage discharge into the ocean
The session, held at the County Assembly premises, brought together officials from the Auditor General’s office, MOWASSCO's top management, and several committee members.
Members of the Mombasa County Assembly have raised alarm over financial and environmental concerns surrounding the operations of Mombasa Water Supply and Sanitation Company Limited (MOWASSCO).
The County Public Investments and Accounts Committee, chaired by Sylvester Kai, was meeting to examine MOWASSCO’s responses to queries raised in the Auditor General’s report for the year ending June 30, 2024.
More To Read
- Auditor General Nancy Gathungu exposes IFMIS failures, Sh10.2 billion unapproved government spending
- Senate orders crackdown on governors, MCAs over use of public funds for self-promotion
- PS Susan Mang’eni denies Hustler Fund misuse, reports Sh4.8 billion savings
- Tana River in a spot over Sh629 million paid to undocumented law firms without legal oversight
- Auditor General gains real-time access to monitor national debt as Treasury launches new system
- Auditor General wants law changed to punish leaders ignoring audit recommendations
The session, held at the County Assembly premises, brought together officials from the Auditor General’s office, MOWASSCO's top management, and several committee members.
Key concerns revolved around the company’s growing liabilities and questionable asset reporting. Legislators expressed unease after discovering inconsistencies in the number of vehicles (39) that MOWASSCO claimed to own, while the Auditor General documented only 28. The MCAs ordered a physical verification to clarify the matter.
MCA Patrick Mbelle criticised MOWASSCO's failure to justify several pending obligations, including statutory deductions and payments owed to Coast Water Works.
“There is a lack of substantiating documents, and a detailed breakdown of outstanding liabilities is needed, including statutory deductions and arrears to Coast Water Supplies,” said Mbelle.
MOWASSCO attributed its financial woes to inflation, rising operational costs, and recent changes in water tariffs.
However, the committee questioned why the firm had not implemented meaningful debt recovery measures despite having introduced a policy in 2023. The lack of enforcement actions, such as service disconnections, was cited as indicative of lax internal controls.
The Auditor General revealed that MOWASSCO is still running at a loss, facing ongoing yearly deficits and struggling with negative working capital.
The committee voiced concern over the company’s unstable financial position and also condemned its inability to provide essential operational records, most notably, the Smart Water Metering contract, which auditors had asked for but were never given.
In addition to financial lapses, committee members expressed outrage over the continued discharge of untreated sewage into the Indian Ocean.
The Auditor General’s report indicated that the Kipevu Sewerage Plant had remained idle, while the Kizingo facility had been left in ruins following vandalism.
The MCAs pressed the water firm to explain delays in restoring these critical sanitation projects, which were part of the larger Water and Sanitation Development Programme (WSDP).
The committee urged prompt action and adherence to environmental regulations, recommending that MOWASSCO work closely with the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA).
In response, MOWASSCO stated that a comprehensive master plan is in progress, which involves acquiring electromechanical equipment to help rehabilitate the facilities.
While MOWASSCO requested more time for internal consultations, the committee resolved to conduct a physical verification exercise at MOWASSCO’s facilities.
The committee ordered MOWASSCO to provide all pending documentation by Tuesday, June 24 and planned for a field inspection scheduled for June 30. The outcomes of the visit will be compiled into a formal report to guide further action.
Top Stories Today
