The government has handed over Lenana dam and a 2.1-kilometre sewer line constructed under the Nairobi Metropolitan Service Improvement Project (NAMSIP) at a cost of Sh150 million to Lenana School in Nairobi.
Construction of the 163 000 cubic metre dam cost Sh81.6 million while the 2.1km external sewer line that connects the school with the main trunk sewer line along Naivasha road costed Sh59.1 million.
The projects were funded by the government in partnership with the World Bank and constructed by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development aimed at enhancing urban agriculture and improvement of hygiene and sanitation in the school, as well benefit the community in the area.
Speaking while handing over the projects to the Chairman of the Board of Management Dr. Samson Ndegwa, the Principal Secretary for Housing and Urban Development Charles Hinga said the school that has 300 acres of land will now have enough water for irrigating the school farm and watering the golf course that is currently under construction.
Hinga said the project which has a lot of impact on the community has provided a drip irrigation system to improve the urban agriculture within the school, and a 63 cubic metre elevated water tank to supply irrigation water to the area.
“This dam will also be used for knowledge transfer, as the project targets to carry out a simulation and training for the school management on disaster management,” added Hinga.
“You should use the school land in commercial projects that can supplement your income through value addition and food processing,” the PS advised.
The PS said the connection of the two-sewer line system with a total length of 1,300 m within the school will enhance disposal of sewer and improve hygiene in the school.
“We are happy that the sewer line project will enhance sanitation and hygiene within the school and community, as it will reduce the frequent challenge of serious stream pollution that has been happening within the area,” said Hinga.
He thanked the World Bank for supporting the government in the water sector, and in particular in increasing and improving Nairobi’s water supply to alleviate the current and future water challenges.
At the same time, the PS noted that the State Department of Housing and Urban Development implemented the integrated urban water management demonstration projects within the Nairobi Metropolitan region with the aim of modernizing infrastructures and to provide sustainability of water services to the urban population.
He commended the local contractor G.L. William Ltd. for the good construction works at Lenana School, noting the government is ready to support local construction companies that embrace the spirit of excellence.
The school Board Chairman said the two projects will change the landscape of the school, adding they will now be able to irrigate the farm and the golf course, which they are looking forward to reap the benefits.
Dr. Ndegwa assured that the School’s Board of management will ensure that it puts in place sustainable projects that will help the present and future generations and the community.
“We will make use of the irrigation project so that it does not become a white elephant,” he said.
By Bernadette Khaduli
