Atleast 650 households in Faza village within Faza Island will benefit from a Kshs 20 million water connection project aimed at alleviating perennial water scarcity in the Island.
According to Lamu Water Services Company (LAWASCO) Managing Director Paul Wainaina who spoke to KNA in Amu Island, he intimated that the project is part of the Lamu County government’s Kshs 223 million county budget plan to improve water security mostly within marginalized areas.
Water projects in Lamu in the 2020/2021 financial year are set to cost Kshs 300 million inclusive of additional funding from the Kenya Red cross and Water Fund Kenya.
He further stated that upon completion the households will have access to clean drinking water, with some homes already reporting fresh water coming from the taps.
“We have laid the groundwork for piped water in Faza Island, with the pipes having been flashed and both the sump and elevated tanks installed,” Wainaina stated, adding that the metering installation paves way for access to tap water which will be available all the 620 homes.
He said that already Faza ward has been a beneficiary of flagship wtare project that have cost the county government Kshs 118 million to install in Kizingitini, Tchundwa, Myabogi,Mbwajumali, Siyu, Pate and Mtangawanda where water pipeline extensions have covered atleast 105 kilometres to ensure all households within the programme benefit.
Also speaking to KNA Lamu Governor Fahim Twaha intimated the county government’s resolve to tackle water scarcity and inaccessibility to water resources as an impediment towards development in the coastal county.
“The socioeconomic value of water cannot be understated as it is one of the reasons why Lamu has lagged behind in terms of agricultural and social development,” Twaha said.
“Historically, Faza residents have been dependent on rain water for the domestic and economic water needs, which is usually stored in traditionally constructed water pans called “Djabias”, which are not as reliable for long term and quality water storage,” the Lamu governor said.
Sentiments echoed by Fatuma Mohammed, a Faza resident who hailed the project as timely, adding that, the water piping project will aid in decreasing the number of water ailment cases, such as Typhoid and cholera among residents
By Amenya Ochieng
