The national government through the ministry of water and sanitation intends to spend at least Sh 500 million towards water projects in Samburu County to address the perennial shortage of the lifesaving resource.
Speaking to KNA, Samburu County Governor Lati Lelelit said that the water and sanitation Principal Secretary (PS) Dr. Paul Rono ratified an agreement with the county government to map out priority water projects in the arid area where the funds could be injected.
The governor said county had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the national government to establish and allocate funds in key projects on a priority basis adding that
at least Sh 250 million were released in the current financial year before the remaining similar amount were released.
Sh 100 million was allocated towards Archers Post water project, Sh 100 million towards wamba water extension project, an additional Sh 100 million towards Suguta water project.
The Kisima water project and Maralal/Lpartuk water project were allocated Sh 50 million each while the Baragoi water project was awarded Sh 100 million.
“All projects will be half funded this financial year and will be completed after being factored in the next financial year budget,” the governor said.
While commissioning a water project at Lodokejek primary school on March 22, water and sanitation PS Dr. Paul Rono assured Maralal residents of the completion of the Sh 1.4 billion Yamo dam whose first phase has been completed.
The PS noted that Yamo is the biggest water project in Samburu County and the second phase which includes construction of a sewerage and water treatment plant requires an additional Sh 1.5 billion which will be included in the budget of the next financial year.
“At capacity, the dam will hold 1.2 million cubic metres of water and can pump 6,000 cubic metres of water per day which is enough to supply to Maralal town which consumes slightly over 8,000 cubic metres of water per day.” He said.
Other ongoing water projects in Samburu County include Garma water project in Samburu central and Lkutuk Ee Lmuget and South Horr water project in Samburu north.
By Robert Githu
