Over 6,000 households in Rachuonyo North Sub-county in Homa Bay County are set to benefit from a water project funded by the Lake Basin Development Authority.
East Africa Community, Arid, Semi-Arid Lands ( ASALS) and Regional Development Cabinet Secretary, Penina Malonza, said the project which will cost Ksh 15 million will provide clean water and curb waterborne diseases.
“This project dubbed ‘Oriwo Schools and Community Water Project’ will improve the living standards of the locals by sparing them from long treks searching for water.” She said.
The CS who commissioned the project at Oriwo Primary School in Kibiri Ward said the borehole will use smart technology and residents will use a Chip to tap on the borehole’s sensor dispensing 20 litres of water for Ksh 5.
She said this is to ensure proper management of the project adding that the money collected will be used to maintain the borehole and extend piping to the nearest households.
“ This project is going to spur development in the area besides provision of safe and clean water.”
CS cautioned the locals against vandalism and urged the residents to safeguard the borehole’s solar panels as the government looks forward to reinforcing the fence in Oriwo Primary School.
She warned against the production and consumption of illicit brews, noting it was to blame for all manner of criminal activities, including vandalism of projects.
The CS further called on the Security officers in Karachuonyo to ensure the safety of the project.
The Chief Executive Officer( CEO) of Lake Basin Development Authority( LBDA), Wycliffe Ochiaga, said the project will not only benefit students but also communities in Karachuonyo.
He highlighted the importance of the project as an impetus to the performance of students and their retention in schools
“Access to clean and safe water is a basic human right and very essential in uplifting the living standards of our people”, he said.
Kibiri Ward representative of Water Users Committee, Beverlyn Awuor, hailed the government for the project, saying that some families within Kibiri Ward, have been walking for up to 5 Km to fetch water.
She said the project is prone to vandalism and proposed that LBDA come up with a mechanism of mitigating the menace.
Oriwo School Head Teacher, Joshua Okinda, said that many teachers sought transfers to other schools due to lack of water.
He hailed the government for coming up with the water project.
