The Lake Victoria North Water Works Development Agency has launched a Sh1.7 billion programme to establish three major water supply systems in Nandi County.
This ambitious move aims at ending chronic water shortages and improving access to clean and safe water for tens of thousands of residents.
The massive undertaking will see the implementation of the Kipkaren/Chepkiit, Kapkei and Sarora/Kiptangus water supply systems, projects that are expected to transform the social and economic livelihoods of communities that have for years struggled with inadequate water services.
The projects officially got underway after the agency’s chief executive officer, Joel Wamalwa handed over the sites to contractors.
Wamalwa said the programme forms part of the government’s commitment to expanding access to potable water and improving sanitation standards in both rural and urban areas.
He noted that the multi-billion-shilling investment would directly benefit tens of thousands of residents by ensuring reliable and sustainable water supply to homes, schools, health centres, markets and trading centres.
He said many people in the targeted areas have endured years of hardship caused by water scarcity, with some families being forced to travel long distances daily in search of clean water for domestic use.
The CEO observed that the implementation of the projects would greatly reduce the burden borne by women and children, who in many households spend several hours every day fetching water from streams and other unreliable sources.
“This programme is meant to improve the lives of our people by ensuring they have access to clean and safe water closer to their homes. Water is a basic necessity and no community should continue suffering because of lack of this vital resource,” said Wamalwa.
He said the projects would not only address domestic water challenges but also stimulate economic growth by supporting farming activities, livestock keeping, businesses and institutions that rely heavily on dependable water supply.
Wamalwa said access to adequate water is also key in improving healthcare and education standards, noting that schools and hospitals in the affected areas have in the past faced operational difficulties due to unreliable water sources.
He said the agency was keen on ensuring that the contractors deliver quality work within the agreed timelines so that residents can begin enjoying the benefits as soon as possible.
Wamalwa further reiterated the government’s resolve to achieve universal access to clean water and sanitation services in line with national development goals.
He added that the state continues to invest heavily in water infrastructure projects across various counties to uplift the living standards of wananchi.
Once completed, the water supply systems are expected to become a major relief to thousands of households that have long depended on seasonal rivers, boreholes and other unreliable water sources.
by Sammy Mwibanda
