Water shortage in Masalani town, will soon be a thing of the past as the government moves to enhance water supply and sanitation in Ijara Sub County.
The government, through Northern Water Works Development Agency (NWWDA) is constructing a Sh61.7 million Ijara Water Supply project, which once completed will produce about 2 million litres of water per day.
According to the project Resident Engineer Patrick Masila, the current water system can only serve about 40 per cent of the area’s population.
With the new project, all peripheral towns around Masalani like Garbab and Harar will also benefit from clean water supply.
Other beneficiaries will be the Masalani Level 4 hospital, Yusuf Haji Girls’ secondary school and Shurie Boys secondary school.
“According to the 2019 population census, Masalani has about 43,000 people. Currently there are 1500 unmetered water connections serving households in this area. After the completion of this project, more households will have access to water,” Masila said.
Ijara Deputy County Commissioner Willy Cheboi urged the contractors to finish the remaining works by the end of April.
“We are happy that when this project will be handed over, there will be an improvement of water and sanitation in Masalani town,” Cheboi said.
“I am calling on the contractor to finish this project as scheduled because this is one of the government’s flagship projects and we know President Uhuru Kenyatta wants it completed on time,” he added.
Ijara sub county water officer Armed Hussein said the county government is ready to train qualified personnel who will take over the operations and maintenance of the water supply system.
“We appreciate the efforts and assistance of the national government to enhance water services for the Ijara people,” Hussein said.
By Erick Kyalo
