It was song, dance and ululations yesterday as the County Executive Member for Water, Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources, Mr. Salmon Orimba in the company of the Living Water Services officials commissioned the Bishop N.K Ngala School and Community water project in Kajimbo village, South West Ward, Nyakach Sub County.
The community’s reliance on Sondu Miriu river water which is polluted and turbid as their only source of water for domestic use is now a thing of the past as they will access clean, safe piped water close to their door steps.
The 2.3million water project was co- funded by the County government of Kisumu and the Living Water Services Centre, a faith based organization.
The clean water is expected to serve a population of 2,500 people with water points at Bishop N.K Ngala Secondary School, Obuora Primary School, Africa Brotherhood Church and Kaduong Community.
It is equipped with pipeline extension from Nyakach Water Supply, a water kiosk, two watering points and a storage tank at the top of the water kiosk.
While representing the Deputy Governor, Dr. Matthew Owili during the commissioning of the water project, the County Executive Member, Mr. Orimba lauded the collaborative approach by the County and Living Water services in providing safe water to the community.
In his speech, he underscored the value of water, equating it to life, and that it could have not come at a better time as now when Covid- 19 is ravaging the country.
With clean safe water, there is anticipated wellness for the school children, which will translate into a prosperous county.
Apart from commissioning the water project, the CEC and the Living Water officials also signed an MoU on a wash program in Nyakach sub county for the next five years.
The MoU will prioritize and asses gaps in water service provision in South East, South West and West Nyakach to ensure they get enough safe water at their door steps.
This will include: pipeline extensions, rehabilitation of dilapidated water sources and upgrade of the functional ones.
Mr. Orimba reiterated the ongoing works in rehabilitating the Sigoti Water tank and the Nyakach Water Supply in take which upon completion will serve Central Nyakach and North Nyakach through gravitational flow.
He however put on notice those vandalizing water infrastructure, warning them that the long arm of the law will catch up with them.
“Vandalism of water pipes must stop, opinion leaders and administrators sensitize the community on this matter” said Mr. Orimba
The Chief Officer Environment, Water, climate Change and Natural Resources, Madam Maryline Agwa commended the PMCs for their oversight role and the contractor for working within the stipulated timelines. She advised the beneficiaries to form the water management committee for sustainability of the project.
The area MCA, Hon Gad Olima on his part thanked Living Water Services for their support saying the county resources are inadequate hence partnership is key. He requested the Living Water Services to absorb the community members in their workforce for the period they will be in Nyakach to benefit the community.
He also cautioned the people against vandalism. He suggested that water points to be increased to minimize vandalism of water pipes.
The Regional HR Manager from Living Water, Madam Fridah Kirimi said they are honored to serve the region, Nyakach. She noted the good working relations they have had with Kisumu County as they serve the community. She requested for more support and good will as they proceed with the work.
The County Director Living Water Services, Mr. Daniel Githanji the on his part said their goal is to improve physical, spiritual and social well-being of the community. In Wash program they target to reach 80,000 people in the next five years.
The event was graced by: The sub county water engineer, Eng. Ng’etich, Wash coordinator, Madam Anne Kombija, Mr. Sylvance Ocholla representing the area MP, Regional M&E Specialist, Dr. Christabel Mateyo, School Head teachers from both Obuora Primary School and Bishop N.K Ngala secondary School, the Church leaders among other invited guests.
By: Emily Mikwa
