The National Government has launched a Sh516 million water project in Nyali area of Mombasa County.
The project which is part of the Sh1.3 billion water programme in the County is set to significantly improve water services for the residents of Kongowea, Maweni, VOK and Kisumu Ndogo.
Speaking during the launching of the project, Water, Sanitation and Irrigation Cabinet Secretary (CS), Sicily Kariuki, said the first phase of the project will provide fresh water to over 4,000 households.
“This is President Uhuru Kenyatta’s initiative, aimed at providing clean and reliable water to every part of the country,” said Ms Kariuki.
She noted that the National Government is sponsoring a similar project in Kisauni Sub-county in the coastal County, at a cost of Sh780 million.
The CS said the government was determined to address frequent water shortages in the region and that it aims to provide 107,080 cubic metres of water per day by 2035.
Ms Kariuki said the improvement of the water supply system in the northern mainland of Mombasa, will increase water coverage in the area from the estimated 27 per cent to a target of 40 per cent.
“This project will go a long way in addressing water shortage in the hugely populated areas of Nyali and Kisauni Sub-counties,” said the CS.
According to Ms Kariuki, once completed, the project will directly impact 9,000 homes with new metered water supply connections that will provide area residents with clean and reliable water.
Residents of the coastal city of Mombasa, have been grappling with frequent water shortages forcing them to rely on borehole water that is unsafe for human consumption.
A survey conducted by the Mombasa Water Kiosk Operators Association, revealed that only 2,300 out of 8,000 kiosks in Mombasa County sell clean water from certified sources.
By Suleiman Khatib and Mohamed Hassan
