Morris Gono, Executive Director of the National Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Commission, says the commission is seeking US$8.5 million in its proposed 2027 budget.
The money, if secured, will strengthen regulation, improve sanitation services, and expand operations.
Gono made the request in his opening remarks on Tuesday, October 13, at the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning’s Executive Budget Hearing. He disclosed how the Commission is faced with logistical challenge couple with the lack of its own office.
He said, the Commission has engaged the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning to address the office space issue.
Gono explained how the proposed budget includes US$820,920 for personnel expenditure, particularly to support decentralization, and ensure the deployment of staff to the counties.
The Commission, he said, has also requested funding for office rent, medical insurance, computer equipment, laboratory supplies, and regulatory inspections.
Gono: “The Commission needs a laboratory to independently verify water quality results submitted by water companies, and ensure compliance with established standards.”
Other priorities under the proposed budget, include establishing a centralized Management Information System, updating the national water and sanitation mapping, and efforts to eliminate open defecation.
Gono noted how the existing sanitation data, last comprehensively mapped in 2017, was outdated, and needs an update system to support informed investment decisions.
He also highlighted plans to strengthen rural sanitation projects, improve regulatory compliance, and enhance climate resilience in vulnerable communities.
Increased funding would address operational constraints, improve coordination among institutions, and strengthen access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene services nationwide.
