Water agency to implement Sh120 billion water projects

 

North Rift Valley Water Works Development Agency chairperson John Lonyangapuo 

The North Rift Valley Water Works Development Agency is set to implement five legacy projects worth more than Sh120 billion in four counties.

Board chairman John Lonyangapuo said the projects will be implemented in Elgeyo Marakwet, Turkana, West Pokot and Uasin Gishu counties.

Lonyangapuo said the agency is seeking more funds from African Development Bank to complete the projects.

He said the agency will work with counties and development partners to ensure the projects are initiated within the next five years.

“We are committed to ensuring residents in the four counties have access to reliable and sustainable water and sanitation services. Our strategic plan for 2023-28 was developed under the guidance of our board of directors and the ministry and is our guiding principle in everything we are doing," Lonyangapuo said.

The Moi’s Bridge Matunda Water and Sewage project in Uasin Gishu county will cost Sh1.9 billion.

He said the demand for additional supply of clean water has grown following Eldoret's elevation to a city hence the need to finish the projects.

Kipkaren water project which had stalled will be completed by a new contractor before the end of the year. The project will cost more than Sh2 billion.

Construction of Sabor-Iten water supply in Elgeyo Marakwet is currently underway and upon implementation, it will serve both irrigation and domestic water supply needs.

Lonyangapuo said the agency is also building Lodwar town water supply projects in Turkana county.

The former Turkana governor, accompanied by other board members, said they are designing an alternative water source from river Turkana to supplement the existing ground water supply in Lodwar town.

“We also plan to design a comprehensive sewerage system for the town with anticipated support from the government and development partners because what we are doing is long term,” he said.

BY MATHEWS NDANYI