The Vihiga County government has embraced the use of solar energy to pump water from the main water supply stations in a bid to cut back on the cost of making water accessible to consumers.
Governor Dr. Wilber Ottichilo says harnessing solar energy instead of using electricity has enabled the county to bring down expenditure on water distribution by as much as half.
Speaking while commissioning the Lunyerere/Mbale main water project, Dr. Ottichilo said they have installed 1,336 solar panels at the station that serves Mbale and Chavakali towns as well as their environs.
The Governor disclosed that the project, which has the capacity to supply 7.5 million litres of water per day, would enable 300,000 residents to have access to clean, safe, and piped water.
He added that the county has established a mini-station at Kaimosi with the capacity of supplying 1.2 million litres per day, where solar power brought down the monthly power bill from Sh. 500,000 to Sh. 250,000.
Dr. Ottichilo stated that they also have solar-powered borehole projects, including Kimogoi in Hamisi, Ipali in Luanda, and Buhani in Vihiga sub-counties, respectively.
He said adopting green energy technology is also intended to mitigate the effects of climate change occasioned by the utilisation of other energy sources.
“The use of wooden electric poles and wood fuel, which are sourced from trees, has led to environmental degradation and hence the adverse effects of climate change,” he said.
By Sammy Mwibanda
