Governors convene a meeting to resolve Chebara dam wrangles

Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii and his Elgeyo Marakwet counterpart Wesley Rotich are set to hold a crisis meeting over the escalating row over Chebara Dam.

 The dam, located in Moiben-Kuserwo Ward, Marakwet West Sub-County has been supplying water for more than three decades to Eldoret Water and Sanitation Company and serves residents of Eldoret town and its environs.

However, the row between the two counties has been reignited after the water firm sacked casual workers and a director at the firm.

Bii yesterday acknowledged the concerns raised by residents, which he said need to be addressed as soon as possible.

“I have consulted with my Elgeyo Marakwet counterpart (Rotich) and we have agreed to have a meeting between Eldowas and leadership from both counties in a bid to iron out the issues raised,” Bii said.

Rotich on his part has demanded reinstatement of all staff who were fired after locals protested the move.

“It is inhuman to send home staff who have been feeding their families through earnings from the water company at this time of the year when the economy is down,” said Rotich.

Contacted, Eldowas Managing Director Peter Biwott, however, exonerated the firm from any accusations, instead blaming some local leaders for politicising the issue.