Residents of Siekunya and Lupida will be able to quench their thirst after the Busia County government launched the piping of water services to a nearby institution and neighbouring residents at a tune of Sh4.8 million.
The solarization of the Siekunya borehole and pipeline extension works at the Lupida market borehole are expected to start with immediate effect after the sites were handed over to the contractors.
The projects will cost Sh2.9 million for the solarization of the Siekunya borehole, while Sh1.9 million will go towards pipeline extension to residents of the Lupida area, with an implementation period of 3 months starting on February 1st.
The Siekunya water borehole is set to be upgraded to a PV solar hybrid system to increase the number of users and ensure residents access water at their doorsteps.
This comes barely a month after the President launched a Sh600 million water project which will benefit the residents of Teso North and part of Teso South constituencies in Busia County and Sirisia constituency in Bungoma County.
Speaking at the sites, Chief Officer for Water Kelly Omboko noted that, as a Department, they were keen on embracing solar energy and emphasised on the importance of project ownership for security purposes and value for investment.
“These are among Governor Dr. Paul Otuoma’s deliverables, and solarization is the way to go to cut down on costs and ensure a continuous supply of water,” he said.
The sentiments were echoed by Bukhayo North/Walatsi Ward MCA Gardy Jakaa, who urged the community to embrace the project as it would help to cut down on the cost of operations in hospitals and schools, thus giving the community time to focus on other projects.
“Water is essential in human life, and its availability at residents’ doorsteps will help to mitigate cases of domestic violence witnessed here and also save our women time wasted while looking for water,” noted Jakaa.
In their joint statement, residents acknowledged both the national and county governments for investing in water projects within the county of Busia.
By Absalom Namwalo
