Two learning institutions within Ndhiwa and Suba South Constituencies in Homa Bay are set to benefit from Sh16 million water projects.
The two water projects commissioned by the Lake Basin Development Authority (LBDA) in collaboration with the Office of Suba South Constituency, are projected to end the perennial water shortage where each will cost Sh8 million.
Speaking during the launch of the project at Lwala Vocational Training Center (VTC) in Gwassi South Ward, LBDA Managing Director, Dr. Raymond Omollo, said one project will be constructed at the VTC and another at St. Mary’s Nyamogo Girls Secondary School within Kwabwai Ward.
The Director further said the projects will run for a period of two months to ensure that the students and the surrounding communities get adequate supply of water for domestic use.
“Each project will serve a population of 9,000 people. The projects will also serve the community as well as the churches surrounding the institutions,” he said, adding that supply of clean water is one of the mandates of LBDA.
There are various components in the construction, including drilling and equipping of the boreholes.
A 24,000 cubic meter tank will then be erected to supply water by gravity.
Omollo said water will be pumped using solar to reduce the cost of production and the supply will be constant for the next ten years.
“We want the community to form a Water Management Committee that will take care of the project. The team will be trained on maintenance to repair broken pipes and other loose ends that may reduce the lifespan of the projects,” he said.
He also revealed that the Authority plans to undertake a similar water project in 12 other regions along the Lake.
Suba South Member of Parliament (MP), John Mbadi, who lobbied for the projects in Homa Bay, said the two areas where the bore holes are being drilled have suffered from water scarcity that has contributed to outbreak of diseases due to consumption of dirty water.
The MP said he would use his position in the National Assembly to push for more funding for LBDA, so that the Authority can do more water projects in counties surrounding the Lake Region.
“Water is a devolved government function and my office is handicapped so it cannot undertake the construction of water projects in certain areas. Agencies like LBDA have been helpful to us, we must support them,” Mbadi said.
By Sitna Omar
