Narok Governor Samuel Tunai consulting with the expected Narok Sewerage System engineers at Pulung'a area in the outskirts of Narok town.The AfDB bank has injected Sh1.7 billion for the first-ever sewerage system. [Robert Kiplagat, Standard]

Construction of a Sh1.7 billion sewarage system for Narok town will commence in July, this year.

The project will be funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Kenyan government.

The multi-billion project is being implemented through Rift Valley Water Services Board (RVWSB) will be completed in 2020.

Speaking during the handing over of the site to the contractor, RVWSB Managing Director, Technical Services Samuel Orma said the sewerage system is designed to serve 12 estates in the town.

He explained that the sewerage system that will cover 11.3 kilometres square will be able to process all the waste to the final stage, reducing its effects on the environment.

The lack of sewerage system in the town that has an estimated population of 60,000 has forced real estate owners to use septic tanks to dispose of solid human waste which is later siphoned by hired exhausters, thereby pushing the cost of housing high.

Governor Samuel Tunai hailed the project, terming it as long overdue.

“For many years, we have been looking for funding for this mega sewerage system project but now the wait is over. We really thank our partners, RVWSB and the national government, for making this project a reality,” said Governor Tunai.

He said the presence of the sewerage system would go a long way in attracting tourists and potential investors to the town and as a result support the county’s quest for the “city status”.

He said: “This town is growing very fast. According to 2009 census, there were about 50,000 people but I am sure after this year’s census, we are projecting to have over 200,000 people. This project has come at the right time,”.

RVWSB Chief Executive Hosea Wendot said the tender for the project had been awarded to the Chinese contractor Sinhydro Corporations.