Yesterday, Kisumu Deputy Governor Dr. Mathew Owili led a team from County in taking over the management of World Vision funded projects within Central and North Nyakach.
The event saw the two partners; County and World Vision sign an MoU to own and manage the projects for sustained provision of quality services to the children and community members.
The handed over projects costing approximately 87million comprised of 7 solar powered boreholes, Katito town ablution block and two ECDE classrooms at Cherwa and Onyuongo Primary Schools.
While officially presiding over the taking over of the projects, Dr. Owili commended the partners for their immense contribution aligned to article 43 of the Constitution of Kenya that translates into improved livelihoods of the people of Central and North Nyakach, not forgetting the education centers.
He further applauded them for their efforts towards the achievement of Government’s mission in enhancing access to safe and healthy environment with sustainable water supply and irrigation systems through multisectoral approach.
According to Dr. Owili, the interventions could have not come at a better time than this when Covid 19 has affected the livelihood of the people.
“The interventions witnessed today will aid in curbing the pandemic because water has proven to be itself a vaccine” said the Deputy Governor.
He reiterated commitment of both the County Government and Community in taking care of the handed over infrastructure to live to benefit the generations to come. He also promised to ensure a framework on management of the projects is drawn for sustainability purposes.
On his part, the CECM for Environment, Water, natural resources and Climate change Mr. Salmon Orimba, thanked the World Vision and the community for the good works done. promised to arrange with KENHA to restore the pipelines disrupted during road construction in order to increase water supply from Nyanas.
He said the water utilities will be run and managed by community water users committee with inclusion of KIWASCO to oversee their work. Sentiments shared by the Chief Officer, Maryline Agwa who said the department will work closely with the committees by training and strengthening them on procedures of water management.
According to the CECM for Lands, Housing, Physical Planning and Urban Developing Prof. Judith Atyang’ the partnership with World Vision has contributed in bringing services closer to the people and prioritization of projects through public participation which is key in devolution. She urged the community to take care of the infrastructure for continuity.
The Manger World Vision Kenya- Kisumu/ Siaya Cluster appreciated the partnership with the county government and promised to complete the remaining three projects before handing them over to the county.
As part of Corporate Social Responsibility, world Vision constructed fish pond at Oremo Primary School run by the school as a teaching aid and source of youth empowerment when the pupils become of age it can be a source of employment.
The World Vision encourages the Community Water Users Committee to consider taking insurance against the motor, solar panels and the reticulation system for compensation in case of any breakdown.
By: Emily Mikwa
