The government has developed a National Water and Sanitation Plan (NAWASIP) to accelerate water coverage across the country.
The plan, which has incorporated all the 47 County Integrated Plans (CIDPs) is expected to guide the development of infrastructure projects worth Sh995 billion by the year 2030.
Water Cabinet Secretary (CS) Eng. Eric Mugaa said to achieve the target of 100% water coverage in the country by the year 2030, the government has opened up the sector to private investors.
“Due to the huge capital outlay required to achieve this plan, the government has opened up this sector for Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) to roll out the projects,” he said.
The Water Act Amendment Bill which was recently assented to by the president, he said, has created a clear roadmap for PPPs to thrive in the sector.
Addressing the media in Kisumu during the launch of Lake Victoria South Water Works Development Agency (LVSWWDA) strategic plan, the CS said a number of investors have already expressed interest in taking up projects in the water sub-sector.
His Ministry, he added was already processing PPP documents for Sabaki Water Carrier in Malindi, Advanced Desalination in Lamu, Londiani Dam in Kericho and Mzima II pipeline in Taita Taveta which is expected to serve Mombasa City.
The Koru-Soin dam in Kisumu which is touted as a long-term solution to flooding in Nyando, he said, was one of the projects being packaged through the PPP model.
“Koru-Soin is a Sh19.9 billion project and as government, we don’t have that money. Therefore, we are packaging the project so that we secure a potential investor to ensure that it is implemented as planned,” he said.
By Chris Mahandara
