By Yoga David
Photos by Adams Claine
Kisumu County has secured a landmark Ksh 10.6 billion investment under the Lake Victoria West Water and Sanitation (LVWATSAN) programme.
This transformative project is set to expand access to clean water and improve sanitation in Kisumu City and Maseno.
Governor Anyang Nyong’o today received Cabinet Secretary for Water, Sanitation and Irrigation, Eng Eric Mugaa, who paid him a courtesy call at City Hall Kisumu.
The two leaders later flagged off a newly acquired jet flush truck and a set of no-revenue water management equipment, officially handed over to Kisumu Water and sanitation Company (KIWASCO).
“The program aims to provide water to an additional 25,000 households and connect 1,700 more households to the sewerage network in Kisumu. It’ll also ensure 4,968 affordable housing units in Lumumba, Makasembo, and the proposed LV Marina at Otonglo have water and sewerage access” said Governor Nyong’o.
Governor Nyong’o reiterated the county;s commitment to the project, which is funded by the Government of Kenya, Agence Francaise de Development (AFD), European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Union.
The programme is being implemented by KIWASCO with coordination support from the city of Kisumu.
CS Eng. Mugaa talked of the national government’s support for water security and sanitation infrastructure in Kisumu county.
“Today I briefed Governor Nyong’o on Water, Sanitation and Irrigation projects in the County spearheaded by the Ministry of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation to enhance water security, promote irrigation and support social economic growth for the people of Kisumu County.” he said.
After the courtesy call the two leaders officially handed over crucial equipment to KIWASCO, including a 6,000 litre jet flush truck, advanced flow meters, leak detectors and other devices that will enhance service efficiency, reduce non-revenue water and improve sewer maintenance.
The LVWATSAN programme aims to reduce non-revenue water to 28%, bolster institutional performance and ensure long term sustainability of water utilities like KIWASCO.
It will also support capacity building for institutions like Lake Victoria South Water Works Development Agency (LVSWWDA) and the County Government of Kisumu.
Despite its promise, the programme has encountered delays due to community resistance to the proposed site of the Otonglo Wastewater Treatment Plant.
The LVWATSAN programme will also benefit towns in Uganda and Tanzania, reinforcing Kisumu’s place as a regional urban water and sanitation development.
