MAKING THE INVISIBLE, VISIBLE: KAKAMEGA MARKS WORLD WATER DAY WITH A PROMISE OF 100% WATER CONNECTIVITY BY 2030
Governor H.E Dr FCPA Wycliffe Oparanya has said his Government has put in place measures to ensure 100% water connectivity in the County by 2030.
In a speech read on his behalf by CECM for Water, Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change Madam Rhodah Masaviru during this year’s World Water Day celebrations at Kakamega County Water and Sanitation Company (KACWASCO) offices in Kakamega town, the Governor said his Government has invested resources in the sector to ensure every citizen both in urban and rural areas access clean and safe water under the ambitious ‘Amatsi Khumukuru’ programme.
“Water is a basic right that should be accessed by every citizen. My Government has put a lot of emphasis on ensuring adequate supply of water to all residents at their doorstep in all parts of the County,” said the Governor.
He noted that Kakamega County has a population of over two million people which has increased demand for clean and safe water saying that the Government is committed to ensuring the commodity was available to residents.
He said 80% of urban dwellers and 35% of rural folk are connected to clean and safe water noting that his desire is to have all parts of the County connected to clean water by 2030.
The Governor said his Government is tapping on cheap and new technology to cut down on the cost of water supply and availability of the commodity in the County.
“We are using modern technology including having solar powered boreholes to cut down on the costs of supplying water,” he said.
He revealed that his Administration has constructed a containerized water treatment plant in Chekalini, Lugari Sub County which serves over 22,000 propel in the Sub County and its environs.
“To cope with the effects of climate change, the County is rehabilitating dams, exploring ground water and also using appropriate modern technologies,” he said.
KACWASCO acting CEO Madam Christabel Ashiono said her company is committed to supplying water to its consumers and increasing connectivity.
She said the five million liter capacity water storage tank at Lirhanda in Shinyalu Sub County will help address the challenge of water shortage and rationing in Kakamega town.
“In areas we cannot supply water by gravity like in Butere, Malava and Lumakanda, we have opted to using boreholes which are well linked to the main water line to supply water to people,” she added.
“We recognize the need to sustain humanity through provision of clean, safe and affordable water as an essential commodity as we strive to achieve our vision of being an effective and efficient water and sanitation service provider,” said Madam Ashiono.
She requested the community to adopt a tree and take personal initiative to nurture the tree as one way of conserving the source of water.
“I thank our partners, stakeholders, consumers and all players in the water sector for their support towards the celebration and growth of the Company.
Chief Officer for Water Eng Philip Otenyo, Shirere MCA Hon David Ikunza, representatives from various organizations, senior County and Company staff were present.
