Section 12, the Local Government Act, 2004, exercising authority

(1) The Object for which the Company is established shallbe to- (a) develop and operate satisfactory water supply services at reasonable cost and on self-supporting basis in every specified area stipulated in the 1st Schedule; and (b) facilitate the provision of safe water and related sanitation services in rural communities and small towns. (2) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1), and subject to the general technical guidelines and directions as approved by the ministry, the Company shall- (a) be responsible for the control, development and management of water supply services in the specified areas stipulated in the 1st Schedule; (b) be responsible for the development, control, and management of all existing waterworks that may be vested in the Company in such manner as it may consider necessary so as to meet the needs of consumers; (c) ensure that water supplied to consumers is in compliance with prescribed quality standards; (d) provide technical support to District Councils in the design, planning, construction, backup services and community management of projects related to safe water supply and related sanitation services; (e) encourage private sector participation in the provision of safe water supply and related sanitation services in the districts; (f) assist and co-ordinate with NGOs, the private sector and other relevant providers, in the development and provision of water supply and related sanitation services in the country; (g) provide technical standards and guidelines for the operation and maintenance of safe water supply in rural and small towns and support District Councils to ensure compliance by water supply service providers. (h) charge fees for the technical services provided under this Act, as may be approved by the Minister responsible for Finance and; (i) do all other acts necessarily required for the performance of its functions including the prudent and sustainable management of the assets of the Company. (3) The Company shall perform its functions in the specified areas as stipulated in the 1st Schedule on sound commercial practice with a view to ensure that its revenues are sufficient to provide for- (a) all depreciation, amortisation and interest costs; (b) all operation and maintenance costs; and (c) a reasonable return on investment. 10 11 Functions o f PART IV- SUPPLY OF WATER