Kisumu is set to benefit from a Sh. 2.9 billion sewerage and water expansion programme to address long-standing challenges in water and sanitation in the area.
The initiative funded by the French Development Agency (AFD), European Investment Bank (EIB), European Union (EU), and the Government of Kenya targets the western corridor of Kisumu city which is underserved.
This will see the water supply pipeline extended by 155km to the rapidly developing satellite towns of Maseno, Otonglo, Kisan, Kisat, and Kiboswa at a cost of Sh.2.1 billion to serve over 120,000 people.
The initiative will also see a new Sh. 800 million sewerage treatment plant constructed at Otonglo to collect and treat 8,000m3 of wastewater per day.
Lake Victoria South Water Works Development Agency (LVSWWDA) which is implementing the initiative has embarked on public participation and technical study ahead of the commissioning of the project.
LVSWWDA head of sanitation Eng. Daniel Oronje said once the project is completed, water supply in Kisumu City will improve from 66 per cent to 90 per cent while sewerage coverage will increase to 40 per cent up from 16per cent.
Speaking during a public participation meeting at Korando in Kisumu West Sub-County, Oronje said the agency has commenced a technical study for the project which is expected to be completed in June next year.
“Once we have developed the designs we shall come back to the people and explain to them what we intend to do before we proceed to the procurement stage,” he said.
The agency, he said, was working closely with the Kisumu West Leaders Forum and the community to address all the concerns and ensure the project takes off as scheduled.
Kisumu West Senior Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) Nalianya Wanyonyi asked the community to embrace the project which once completed will transform the area.
Wanyonyi who also chairs the Kisumu West Leaders Forum said all relevant state agencies have been brought on board to ensure that the project is implemented fully.
Those who will be displaced within the project area, he added, will be fully compensated by the government.
“It has taken us three years to agree but now I am glad that we have a way forward. I want to assure you that all landowners in the project area will be compensated. We have brought on board the National Lands Commission (NLC) and the county government to ensure that we support this program to fruition,” he said.
Kisumu County Executive Committee Member (CECM) in charge of Water and Environment Marylene Agwa asked the community to support the project which she said was at the center of transforming Kisumu city.
A thorough environmental and social impact study, she said, would be carried out to ensure that the community benefits from the project.
By Chris Mahandara
