The National Government has commissioned water projects worth Sh80.8 million in Homa Bay County to address the perennial water shortages in the region.
The projects including the Sindo Water Supply Project in Suba South constituency and Got Kabok Primary School Water Supply Project in Rangwe constituency. were implemented by the Ministry of Water, Irrigation and Sanitation through the Lake Victoria South Water Works Development Agency.
Speaking on Wednesday while commissioning the projects at Got Kabok Primary School, the Water Principal Secretary Joseph Irungu said that the national government is committed to alleviating perennial water problems in Homa Bay County.
Irungu revealed that the cost of Got Kabok water project is Sh 10million, saying it will serve both the school and the surrounding community thus improving livelihood of the locals.
“The Government is committed to undertaking more projects to eradicate water problems in this county. The projects include the ones whose constructions are ongoing in Rangwe and other parts of the county and their funds are derived from the current financial year,” said Irungu.
The PS further challenged his officers to push contractors to complete the ongoing projects at the right time to enhance implementation of other. “Let residents own the projects to ensure their lives are transformed,” Irungu added.
Irungu also revealed that the water project at Sindo cost Sh70.8million and has a capacity of producing 1,800 cubic meters of clean and safe water per day, adding that it is designed to serve a population of 12,000 people.
The beneficiaries of the project will include the community, health facilities, market centres and learning institutions.
Others who also graced the occasion include Homa Bay Woman Representative Gladys Wanga, Rangwe Member of Parliament Dr. Lilian Gogo, Homa Bay CEC for Agriculture Juma Aguko and Homa Bay County Commissioner Harman Shambi.
On her part Dr Gogo said the project in her constituency will cushion area residents from trekking more than 12 kilometers in search of water from Lake Victoria.
“It is a reason to smile for residents that the Government has started implementing projects in unknown villages like Got Kabok. This is a good gesture because water is life,” Gogo said.
She said the project had resulted in peace which is prevailing in the country due to the handshake between President Uhuru Kenyatta and ODM leader Raila Odinga.
While Wanga, said that water availability in the area could not allow residents to participate in socio-economic activities effectively.
“There are many women who cannot give birth effectively because they spend a lot of time trekking in search of water. Some of them leave home at dawn and return at dusk when they are tired,” Wanga said.
By Naomi Wandede and Davis Langat
