Nakuru County has commenced the pipe-laying works at Kapsetek village in Soin Ward, Rongai Sub-county.
The 1 km steel pipe extension starts from the main water catchment areas at the nearby Koibatek Forest. Once complete, over 1,000 residents of the area, including Kapsetek Primary School, will have access to safe, quality water for their domestic use.
Sub-county Water Officer, Eng. John Muhuhe, said the project will solve the longstanding water scarcity in the area, adding the County Administration is committed to harnessing and connecting natural water sources to residents for efficient use.
Overall, he noted that connecting clean water to dry areas in the county enhances public health, supports economic activities, promotes education, empowers women, and contributes to environmental and social sustainability.
Eng. Muhuhe said the county has a significant agricultural sector. Hence, reliable water supply supports irrigation, leading to increased agricultural productivity and food security.
Highlighting the importance of school attendance, particularly for girls who often fail to attend school to fetch water, adding that access to clean water sources has been shown to improve educational outcomes. And schools with clean water can maintain better hygiene standards, which is crucial for students’s health and well-being.
He said the county is determined to ensure that dry areas, such as Rongai Sub-county, which has been disadvantaged for a long time, have access to clean water systems. To withstand droughts and other climate-related challenges better.
Eng. Muhuhe urged residents to safeguard the project for its long-term sustainability and use and commended the contractor for hiring local residents to do manual work such as digging trenches and connecting the pipes.
By Veronica Bosibori
