Eight counties in the lake region are earmarked for a water and sanitation upgrade following the unveiling of a Sh. 48 billion five-year strategic plan.
The plan launched by Lake Victoria South Water Works Development Agency (LVSWWDA) targets to scale up water connectivity in Kisumu, Siaya, Migori, Homa Bay, Kisii, Nyamira, Kericho and Bomet counties from 58% to 70% by the year 2027.
The plan also aims to upgrade and scale up sewerage coverage in the region from the current 27% to 40% during the period.
Water Cabinet Secretary (CS) Eng. Eric Mugaa said the strategic plan developed through extensive participation will provide a roadmap for the development of water and sanitation projects in the eight counties.
Speaking during the launch of the strategic plan in Kisumu, the CS called for strengthening of partnerships between the two levels of government and development partners to actualize the plan.
The estimated resource allocation to the sector during the five years, he said, was Sh. 28 billion leaving a deficit of Sh. 19 billion to implement the strategic plan.
The planned infrastructure development for the sector in the region, he said, comes after a successful implementation of the 2019-2022 strategic plan which saw the government mobilize Sh. 36 billion for various projects in the region.
The projects among them Kericho Water Supply, Oyugis Water Supply, Bondo-Siaya water supply have been commissioned impacting over 845,000 people.
Other projects which are ongoing in the region include Lake Victoria Water and Sanitation Initiative in Kisumu costing Sh. 7.8 billion, Kendu Bay Water Supply and Sanitation Project Sh.600 million, Wastewater Support Management Project Sh. 2.5 billion, Ogembo Water Supply Sh. 137 million, Ugunja-Ukwala Water Supply Project Sh. 1.1 billion, Bomet-Longisa Sh. 1.5 billion and Kabianga Water Supply Project Sh. 147 million respectively.
The Ministry, he said also targets last mile connectivity for Oyugis and Kendu Bay Water Supply Project, Homa Bay-Mbita- Sindo Water Project and Ugunja-Ukwala-Sega water Project.
He asked the Lake Victoria South Water Works Development Agency to ensure the projects are completed as scheduled to ensure that the target of 100% water coverage in the area is reached by the year 2030.
Non-Revenue Water (NRW) in the region which stands at 60%, he said was too high affecting the sustainable growth of the sector.
“No service provider in this region has attained Non-Revenue Water level within the acceptable benchmark of less than 25%. This is a clear indicator that a lot still needs to be done to increase operational efficiency, ” he said.
State Department of Water Principal Secretary (PS) Julius Korir asked county governments to allocate resources for last mile water connectivity.
The National government, he said has invested billions in bulk water infrastructure, adding that last mile connectivity which is a prerogative of county governments was key in scaling up coverage.
LVSWWDA board Chairman Odoyo Owidi attributed the high Non-Revenue Water cases in the region to cartels who illegally abstract water for sale and distribution.
He called on the relevant security agencies to intensify patrols and crack down on the individuals who pose a threat to the government’s initiatives to scale up water coverage.
By Chris Mahandara
