Siaya Governor James Orengo has hailed the United States Africa Development Foundation (USADF) for supporting the construction of a community mini hydroelectric power plant in Ugunja Sub County.
Orengo said that the 100,000 United States dollar support to the project has led to the positive change of lives of close to 300 homes within Magoya, Konjra and Hareka villages, saving the residents from the effects of carbon monoxide, nitric oxide, sulfur dioxide and other harmful particles that increases risks of respiratory diseases.
He was speaking in his office in Siaya town where he met top officials of the USADF from Washington DC, led by the foundation chief strategy officer, Mr. Kwasi Donkor. He later led the officials on a tour of the project site along river Nzoia in Magoya village.
The governor said the community hydroelectric power project has seen the welfare as well as economic activities of the residents improve, adding that there was need for expansion of the project to include agro-business that will create job opportunities.
Orengo, who was accompanied by his deputy, William Oduol said that his government was ready to sign a memorandum of understanding with USADF that will create a partnership that will in turn improve health, food security, and water as well as youth and women empowerment.
USADF head of delegation, Kwasi Donkor said the foundation that has been operating in the country since 2011, focuses on agriculture, youth entrepreneurship, energy and health sectors.
“We work towards improving livelihoods in the projects that drive to social impact on areas such as improved health, food security that lead to sustainable livelihood” he said.
By Philip Onyango
