The national government has embarked on rehabilitation of dilapidated water projects in Suba North constituency in Homa Bay to curb perennial water shortages.
Water Secretary Samwel Alima said the government was revamping the Kamato Water Supply project and Ogando water pan in Lambwe ward.
He said rehabilitation of Kamato water project will cost Sh4.5 million and when completed will serve up to 3000 households in at least four villages.
Alima noted that the solar powered project would supply water to Kamato Primary and Secondary schools as well as Kamato Gul, Kamato Central, Oundo and Ojawo villages.
Speaking during an occasion to commission the project today, Alima said the government intends to end perennial water shortages in the arid area by upgrading existing projects.
Kamato Water Supply was started in 1986 by the Lake Basin Development Authority (LBDA). It was designed to supply water to the school where it is located.
“It will be completed within a period of two months and will solve the water crisis over a large area. The project can produce 10,000 litres of water per day,” Alima said.
The Water Secretary called on residents of Lambwe to make good use of the projects once construction is complete. He said that many people have been facing water shortages hence the project must be safeguarded
“Besides using the water for domestic use, there will be surplus that can support agriculture through irrigation. We want people to use the water for producing food, local consumption and for sale,” Alima said.
He said the Ministry is undertaking other projects across Lambwe such as Ogando borehole and water pan at a total cost of Sh9.3million to reduce water shortages and cut down incidences of water borne diseases.
Alima noted that the Ogando water projects will serve more than 4,000 households.
“There is need to have a sustainable water supply in the area to address problems such as waterborne diseases,” he added.
Kamato water project Chairperson Marry Mbeo said the area has been in dire need of water, saying many people have been trekking long distances in search of water. “We request for more water projects to enable us to spur the local economy,” she said.
Lambwe West Location Senior Chief Daniel Obure said his office will ensure infrastructure used in the project is safeguarded from theft.
By Davis Langat
