Sh31m set for water projects

By BRYAN TUMWA

Kakamega, Kenya: Residents of Lurambi and Likuyiani constituencies are set to benefit from three water projects initiated by the County Government of Kakamega.

Peninah Mukabane, the county executive officer in charge of the Water docket said the two constituencies only had 36 per cent access to clean water, the lowest according to estimates.

“The county government has managed to fund three projects on River Nzoia to the tune of Sh31 million. The water projects include Sinoko, Likuyiani and one at Matunda market. Implementation is still in progress,” said Ms Mukabane.

She said the region was given priority since access to clean water was below the 54 per cent average for Western Kenya.

She noted that delays by the national government to release money meant for such projects had impeded their implementation for a long time.

Mukabane called on members of the county assembly (MCAs) to use the development cash from the county government to implement small water projects in their wards to conquer water shortage in the county once and for all.

“MCAs have Sh10 million each for executing development programmes in their wards. I have asked them to consider constructing small community water springs and boreholes, which will only cost just about Sh50,000 or below,” she said.

She at the same time requested Government officials in charge of security to commit to safeguard the established projects from vandalism. She said the water situation would be improved drastically if the government steps up to prevent theft and vandalism of the infrastructure.

“I call on chiefs and other security people under the office of the President to help take care of infrastructure. Pumps and pipes should be protected in order to allow the community to benefit from the projects,” she said.

Most of the piped water being consumed in Kakamega County is sourced from Tindinyo in Nandi County. Ms Mukabane noted that the water department cut across various counties and that it was critical for them to ensure that services were not disrupted as a result of the devolution of the functions.