Residents of Kisii County are set to benefit from a Sh700 million water project that will involve the rehabilitation and expansion of the water supply network and construction of new water connections.
The project, which is funded by the German government through KfW Development Bank, is part of a larger programme aimed at improving water and sanitation services in the Lake Victoria region.
Speaking during the opening ceremony of the 14th edition of the Water Companies Sports Organisation (WASCO) games at Gusii Stadium in Kisii town, the Cabinet Secretary for Water, Sanitation, and Irrigation, Eng. Eric Mugaa, said the project was in the procurement stages and would expand connectivity in Kisii county.
“We are looking forward to breaking ground this year because the project is long overdue and, once implemented, will benefit the residents of Nyaribari Chache, Bonchari and Kitutu,” noted Eng. Mugaa.
The CS pointed out that the Kisii, Kericho and Leiten water and sanitation projects are under evaluation and the Lake Victoria South Water Works Agency was working to ensure the requirements are fulfilled.
In addition, he lauded the water organisations for successfully organising the WASCO games every year and the Kisii County leadership for accepting to host this year’s event.
According to the CS, the games have played a key role in fostering cultural exchange and boosting the local economies, thereby enhancing national unity and cohesion.
“The Ministry values the noble objectives of water companies, bearing in mind that water is an important function which promotes bonding, networking, and knowledge-sharing amongst our water institutions and these are all key drivers for improved service delivery for the people of Kenya,” noted Mugaa.
The CS commended the event’s theme of Combating Climate Change through Sports, saying that a sustainable environment is the lifeline of the water sector and environmental conservation is integral to safeguarding a shared future.
He urged the national and county governments to continue working together to ensure they deliver services to the people.
In a speech read on his behalf by the Kisii Deputy Governor Elijah Obebo, the area Governor Simba Arati expressed his gratitude to WASCO leadership, the Kisii Water and Sanitation Company, and all participating teams, partners and sponsors for making the event a reality.
Arati noted that through sports, the participants are reminded that endurance, teamwork and discipline are the same values required to fight climate change and secure a sustainable future for communities.
“The WASCO Games unite us in our non-partisan efforts and give us space to nurture our health, build strong homes, and champion awareness on key issues like climate change,” he added.
The governor encouraged the participants to play fairly, adding that games and performances inspire communities to rise to new challenges with the same dedication and show what they are capable of doing.
On her part, KWASCO Managing Director Lucy Wahito welcomed the participants to the event, saying that it was an opportunity to celebrate teamwork and resilience among the water companies.
“As water service providers, climate change remains a challenge for us and just like in sports, we require discipline, strategy and teamwork to combat it,” she added.
The event was also marked with the planting of trees at the Kisii Comprehensive School where the CS pledged to supply the school with 20,000 litre water storage tanks under the Ministry’s programme of water conservation, catchment and roof harvesting.
This year’s WASCO games attracted a total of 43 teams and 2100 participants and will run from August 18-22.
By Mercy Osongo
