This archive report was first published on 7 June 2020.
On June 7, 2020, the Lake Victoria South Water Works Development Agency announced the launch of two water projects in Kasipul constituency, Homa Bay County, worth a total of Sh20 million.
The projects, Mawira Community Water Project in Kokech Location and Soko Kawino Spring Water project in West Kamagak Location, aim to end perennial water shortages that have plagued the area.
Area MP Ong'ondo Were said the projects are a collaborative effort between the agency and the constituency to provide clean water to residents. "We are working hand in hand with this agency to enable residents get clean water," he said.
The MP added that the provision of clean water will help combat communicable diseases, which have been rampant in the area due to lack of clean water. "It is cheaper to prevent communicable diseases compared to treating them. These projects are part of our efforts to boost the health of our people," he said.
Agency engineer Sharon Atieno said the construction of the projects will take two months and are expected to be completed in early August. "We expect residents to begin using water from the two projects in early August," she said.
The Mawira Water Project will involve the drilling of a borehole and installation of pipes to distribute water in three collection points, producing 3000 cubic meters per hour. The Soko Kawino water project will involve the installation of tanks to supply the water.
According to the agency, the project will also have water kiosks built at 300 meters radius to ensure locals get value for their money. Site survey has been conducted to ensure the projects are located in the best possible areas.
Were said there was no bias in picking the project sites, adding that the sites were chosen after a thorough survey by geologists. "Some people are wondering who chose the sites, but we want to tell them it is the geologists' after thorough survey that tell the team where to locate the project," he said.
Mawira Community Water Project chairman Almad Okode said the project is a sigh of relief to locals, saying they will use the water to grow horticultural crops too. "This project will boost our livelihood because we will also use it to grow vegetables and other horticultural crops," he said.
Were said his dream is to ensure residents get water, adding that he will not rest until every corner of the constituency has clean water. "Water is a necessity in life. I am going to launch more water projects in the subsequent financial year," he said.
