Gawasco is a company that is dedicated to delivering high-quality water and sewerage services to its customers, while also protecting the environment and promoting sustainable practices.
G
arissa water and sewerage company (GAWASCO) operates within Garissa Township of Garissa County. The utility was incorporated under the Company’s Act (Cap 486) of the laws of Kenya as a public company limited by shares in 2006.
The company provides and distributes sustainable supply of potable water for commercial, industrial and domestic purposes. It is also charged with provision, control and maintenance of sewerage services for commercial, industrial and domestic concerns. It is in charge of treatment and disposal of sewerage generated within the service area.
GAWASCO serves Garissa township and its environs covering a total of 65km2 (Township area). With the recent Garissa Water Act (2018), the mandate of GAWASCO was extended to cover the entire county.
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In 2019 GAWASCO conducted a customer identification survey. Highlights include: 11,326 active connections reported, 8,496 connections were not metered and therefore billed on flat-rate while only 2,830 were metered. Many large consumers e.g., institution, hotels, small industries are billed on flat rate; a reason why GAWASCO has very high NRW . Other details include:
- Drinking water coverage = 85%
- Number of drinking water connections = 11,326
- Average hours of supply = 18 hours
- NRW is in the order of 50%
- Coverage sewerage connection = 15%
- Collected wastewater is treated
GAWASCO relies on two sources of water;
Surface water from Tana River which is pumped by two high lift pumps of 365 m3/hr rating but due to efficiency that has deteriorated over time assumed raw water pumped for treatment is estimated at (350m3/hr x 2 x 22hours) =15,400m3 a day.
Underground water from:
A) Ziwani boreholes; the yield has deteriorated significantly with a combined production 128m3/hr.= (Z B/H 1=30, Z B/H 2= 8, B/H 3=50 & Z B/H 4=40). Pumping for 22 hrs., delivering a combine yield of 2,816m3 a day. As opposed to previous yields of 3,740m3 a day.
B). New ADC Farm boreholes (Two drilled one equipped and running on Diesel operated generator on average 17 hours. with an approximate yield of 40m3/hr = (1 New ADC B/H1 =40 X 17= 680 m3 a day).
Mohamed Weirah
Board Chair
Ismail daud
Board Member
Jane
Board Member
Najma
Board Member
Sahara
Board Member
Gawasco has partnered with local communities to promote the importance of clean water and sanitation. The company has worked with community leaders to educate residents on water conservation, hygiene practices, and the proper use of sanitation facilities. Gawasco has also organized community outreach programs to raise awareness of the health risks associated with poor sanitation and the benefits of improved water and sanitation services.
Overall, Gawasco's partnership efforts demonstrate a commitment to improving access to clean water and sanitation for Garissa Residents. Through collaborations with other organizations and engagement with local communities, Gawasco is working towards achieving its mission of providing safe and reliable water and sanitation services to all .