The government, in collaboration with European Union, Water Sector Trust Fund (WSTF) and the West Pokot County administration has launched a Sh83 million water project, aimed at addressing water scarcity issues in the arid and semi-arid region.
The water project, situated at Mtembur and Kitelakapel villages in Mnagei and Riwo wards respectively, Kapenguria constituency is expected to benefit approximately 11,000 residents, providing them with reliable clean and safe water.
Speaking while commissioning the project, Water and Sanitation Cabinet Secretary, Eric Mugaa stated the initiative represents a crucial step in ensuring water accessibility in remote and marginalized areas.
Mugaa noted the project received approximately Sh50 million from the ministry through the water sector Trust Fund, complemented by a Sh30 million contribution from the county government.
He disclosed that collaborative funding models emphasized the importance of partnership between the national government and the devolved units in tackling pertinent water issues at the grassroots.
The CS highlighted that the Mtembur-Kitelakapel water project will support over 20 schools, local hospitals and livestock needs, as well as provision of essential water supply to the community.
He said that already the necessary infrastructure including water kiosks and tanks have been installed along the supply line to minimize the distance residents must travel to access water for domestic use.
The CS said key components of the project include intake works, a compost filtration unit for treatment and additional storage facilities to ensure efficient distribution.
In post- commissioning, he said the project will be managed by the Kapenguria water sanitation company, with a focus on building the capacity of water service providers.
The CS decried the current water loss issues in the region estimated at over 60 percent, hence emphasizing the need for improved registration and regulation of water companies, combined with oversight to eliminate illegal connections.
In addition to the water projects, Mugaa said the government is also advancing other significant initiatives in West Pokot including the ongoing Siyoi-Muruny dam project, a new sewerage system for Kapenguria and Chepareria-Makutano sewerage project, all aimed at enhancing sanitation and water access for the people.
At the same time, he expressed his gratitude towards the leadership of West Pokot County and community stakeholders, underscoring that successful implementation of government projects requires coordinated efforts.
The CS also introduced the Kenya Equality Water and Sanitation (KEYWAS) program, which aims to benefit 19 marginalized counties.
He disclosed West Pokot is among the recipients of the initiative designed to improve water access sanitation and hygiene services in underserved areas.
Mugaa added that the KEYWAS program aims at ensuring equitable access to essential services and promoting sustainable development.
In his address, West Pokot Governor Simon Kachapin highlighted the crucial importance of water as a basic necessity for all, while emphasizing the need for protection and conservation of the precious commodity.
He expressed confidence that the newly launched water project would adequately serve the residents of Mtembur and Kitelakapel, noting its advantages including being gravity-driven, which significantly reduces maintenance costs for sustainability.
Kachapin also extended his appreciation to the government and various partners for their support in the initiative, particularly acknowledging the Cabinet Secretary for taking time out of his busy schedule to visit the area and commission the project.
The governor thanked the national government and other development partners for the milestone project, reaffirming his commitment to continuous collaboration for both the current and future initiatives.
He stated that the water project aligns with the Kenya Kwanza government Bottom- Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), which promises essential services to the people.
Kachapin emphasized that the project would greatly benefit residents, providing them with a reliable source supply of the precious commodity for both domestic and livestock use.
He further noted local women would now be empowered to establish Kitchen gardens, thus enhancing food security for their families.
Additionally, the governor assured members of the public that there would be improvements in the management and services provided by the Kapenguria water company to ensure effective operationalization of all government funded water projects.
On his part, Kacheliba Constituency Member of Parliament (MP) Titus Lotee echoed similar sentiments, stressing the significance of the water project and encouraging Kenyans to take note of the current government’s efforts in development.
However, Lotee noted with concern that unwarranted criticisms, often overshadow any positive developments and urged Kenyans to always learn to appreciate the tangible benefits that the government is bringing to the citizenry.
The MP cited the ongoing efforts by the government to ensure availability of water in areas that previously struggled with acute scarcity of the same.
He encouraged the beneficiaries of project to embrace the progress already made, rather than focusing on the negatives.
By Anthony Melly
