WATER SUPPLY IN MUMIAS SET TO IMPROVE AS A SHS 17M SANITATION FACILITY IS COMMISIONED

Kakamega County Deputy Governor Prof. Philip Kutima Wednesday evening commissioned construction of a Decentralized Waste Management Facility in Mumias town at a cost of Shs 17 million. The project is part of the County Government’s efforts to improve social amenities and road network in Mumias town, the second municipality in the county after Kakamega.

Speaking during the launch, Prof. Kutima said the Government is committed to ensure all homesteads in the county are connected with clean and safe piped water. He explained that the county has spent more than Shs 600 million on various water projects among them the multi million Lirhanda Water project that will serve residents of Shinyalu sub county and Kakamega municipality.

“Mumias has enough water supply but only a third of this is utilized, an issue we want to fix as a Government,” Prof. Kutima assured, adding that the facility will also ensure proper disposal of waste from the municipality.

He thanked partners in the water sector for the support moreso Water Sector Trust Fund, for funding the project; and the World Bank. The county’s partnership with the latter has seen the Government receive Shs 143 million for infrastructure development in Mumias town. An amount the deputy governor said, will be increased to Shs 210 million for Mumias municipality due to the prudent utilization of the funds by the County Government.

Kakamega County Water & Sanitation Corporation (KACUWASCO) chairman Prof. Laban Ayiro said the 50 cubic meters facility will serve 4,500 households. He said the mandate of the Corporation is to supply clean water to homesteads and offer sanitation services to people.

“I appreciate Water Sector Trust Fund for this project as it will improve the public sanitation in Mumias,” Prof Ayiro added.

According to KACUWASCO Chief Executive Officer Mr. Abdikadir Abdi, the facility will target population of the urban low-income area with dire need for sanitation there by reducing water borne diseases.

“The project will also include operator’s house, solid waste incinerator, construction of Safisan toilets and training of local artisans, emptiers and operators among others,” Mr Abdikadir said.

Once operational, it is also expected to improve environmental hygiene and increase revenue streams for the Government through the exhauster services.

The Ag. County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Water, Environment and Natural Resources
Mr Robert Makhanu was also in attendance.