Nakuru, Kenya: Deputy President William Ruto has said the Government has set aside Sh400 million for the supply of water to residents from the recently completed Chemasusu Dam in Eldama Ravine.
According to the DP, the money will be used to buy pipes and for construction of water storage facilities in the four constituencies in the county.
Ruto also revealed that supply of the commodity will also be extended to the neighbouring Rongai constituency in Nakuru County.
He said although the Chemasusu Dam was ready, another Sh3.2 billion was needed for it to be fully operational.
"The Government has already secured the Sh400 million but the rest will be allocated in the 2015/2016 Budget," said the DP.
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WATER SHORTAGES
He made the remarks on Sunday during the consecration of Musa Kamuren as Suffragan Bishop of the Diocese of Nakuru at Mogotio ACK Church.
Some of the areas that will benefit from water from the dam include Eldama Ravine and Mogotio, Baringo south.
Laying of the pipes and setting up of the storage tanks is expected to be completed by the end of 2016.
"The project is expected to help end the perennial water shortages in the region," he said
Ruto also announced that the Jubilee administration plans to build another dam in Itare in Nakuru County to further boost access to clean water in the area.
The DP also challenged county governments to allocate enough funds in their budgets for water projects. "Governors have a role to ensure schools and residential places have access to water," he said.
Last week, Mogotio MP Hellen Sambili said she had allocated part of CDF funds for supply of water to her constituents.
"I have been buying water for schools to ensure pupils remain in school. I recently bought water for Kapyemit Primary School where children were digging a river bed for water," said Sambili.
KABARNET PROJECT
Last week, the Italian government also released a Sh1.8 billion loan to be used in financing Phase II of Kirandich Water Project in Kabarnet. The project was commissioned by former President Daniel Moi in 2001.
The second phase, according to Baringo Senator Gideon Moi, who was involved in the negotiations for the credit facility when he was still the Baringo Central MP, will include extension of pipelines to the unserviced areas of Kabarnet town, Kabasis, Kapsoo and Kituro.
"Residents have been patiently waiting for the funds for the last 13 years and we are very grateful that it has come to pass. Now residents will have access to enough water," said Gideon during a tour of the facility.
Gideon said the money was channelled through the National Treasury and will soon be released.
