It is a sigh of relief for over 77,000 residents of Ugunja and Ugenya as they anticipate consistent access to clean and reliable water in March, courtesy of the Sh1.2 billion Ugunja-Sega-Ukwala water project.
The project, funded by the African Development Bank (ADB), is projected to supply 8,000 cubic meters of water daily to the residents of Ugunja and Ugenya sub-counties. However, the contractor handling the Sh1.2 billion water and sanitation project seeks to purchase 400 water meters for the service provider, Sibowasco, to install and connect residents of Ugunja, Sega, and Ukwala.
According to Peter Ouma, Resident Engineer for SEURECA Kenya, SIBOWASCO will roll out the last-mile water connectivity project in Ugunja, Sega, Ukwala, and their environs to boost water coverage and improve sanitation. In a water stakeholders’ meeting in Ugunja sub-county, Eng. Ouma stated that the multimillion-shilling project is complete but characterized by certain defects that will be addressed by the end of February. The engineer explained that the project aims to connect residents with piped water, ensuring access to clean, treated water to help reduce waterborne diseases. “Now that the project is partially handed over to Sibowasco, the last-mile connectivity, which was to be done by the contractor Zhongmei Group Limited, shall be rolled out by Sibowasco,” Eng. Ouma said.
“The 400 water meters meant for the programme shall be procured by the contractor and handed over to the service provider for installation during the implementation of the last-mile connection programme,” Mr. Ouma added.
He emphasized the importance of public participation, saying it allows the community to engage in the last-mile water connectivity project, understand the environmental impact assessment, and review the project’s design. He urged communities to cooperate with contractors, especially in areas where piping lines will be installed.
“Stakeholders should also create awareness within the community for the upcoming connectivity,” he added. He also stressed the importance of connecting social amenities, such as schools and hospitals, to piped water since many schools currently lack water access.
Siaya Bondo Water and Sanitation Company Managing Director Isaiah Adipo assured the residents of Ugunja and Ugenya that the last-mile connectivity project would benefit them.
“We had connected the water project to the old infrastructure, but some areas are still underserved. Moving forward, with the last-mile connectivity, we shall reach more people,” Mr. Adipo said.
Director of Zhongmei Group Limited Pan Nam and Sonia Lin assured the Lake Victoria South Water Works Development Agency and the Siaya County Government that the project defects would be resolved by February. “One of the defects is the water pump valve. We have bought the necessary tools, which are now in Nairobi. We will transport them to Ugunja in the next two days,” said Lin.
Adipo was accompanied by a member of the Sibowasco Board, Victor Makanda.
County Committee Member in charge of Water and Environment, Prof. Jacqueline Oduol, urged the contractor to complete the processes and allow the community to access water. “I want the water coverage to improve from the current 55 percent to 65 percent, and this programme will help achieve that,” Prof. Oduol said.
“I am happy to be part of this meeting and have identified gaps that the contractor has agreed to address before their exit,” she added. The water and sanitation project, funded by the African Development Bank, is expected to significantly reduce pollution and curb waterborne diseases.
The project, with a pipeline extension of up to 98 kilometers, targets underserved areas in Ugunja, Sega, and Ukwala. The sewerage and water expansion programme aims to address longstanding challenges in water and sanitation in these areas. The project, designed to serve 77,000 residents of Ugunja, Sega, and Ukwala townships in Ugunja and Ugenya constituencies, is now producing 11,000 cubic meters of water daily, exceeding the initial target of 8,000 cubic meters per day. Once completed, the water supply in Siaya County is expected to improve from 55 percent to 65 percent.