Governor Jack Ranguma challenged to develop sewerage system in Maseno

Maseno University Chancellor Michael Joseph (left) with Vice Chancellor Domnic Makawiti during the university's 14th graduation on Wednesday. [PHOTO:COLLINS ODUOR/STANDARD]

KISUMU COUNTY: Maseno University Vice Chancellor Dominic Makawiti has asked the county government to develop water and sewerage systems at his institution.

The vice chancellor told Governor Jack Ranguma that the institution, which is based in a rural environment, does not have common infrastructure like a sewer system and reticulated water system.

“We also do not have a waste disposal system. We ask the county government to assist us in developing these important but lacking infrastructures,” said Prof Makawiti.

He said the university is relying on roof catchment and boreholes for water supply, which he claimed is not sufficient.

“During the dry spell of January, February and March when the water table levels sink lower, the institution experiences extreme water scarcity, thereby putting additional strain to the university,” he said.

At the same time, Makawiti appealed to the national government to provide the institution with development funds to alleviate shortage of student accommodation.

He said the university is currently undertaking two major development programmes within the limited development capitation from the Government.

BIG CHALLENGE

“These are the Ultra-Modern Library Complex and the Microbiology and Pathology Laboratory Complex. We hope that with additional development capitation, we will be able to complete the projects and embark on the programmed new ones,” he said.

Accommodation is a big challenge at the university. Each year, the institution has to utilise the same over-stretched facilities to accommodate the growing student numbers.

The institution is working with Public-Private Partnership Unit at the Treasury so as to engage the private sector in constructing modern hostels to ease the challenge of student accommodation.

Speaking at the institution’s 14th graduation ceremony on Wednesday, Mr Ranguma promised that the institution and its environs will benefit from the Maseno-Kombewa water project to be developed within this financial year.

“The European Investment Bank has agreed that water piping should be extended to Maseno,” he said.

Education Cabinet Secretary Jacob Kaimenyi said his ministry will explore the possibilities of expanding the infrastructure required for better delivery of academic programmes.

“We will do this by setting up more laboratory and ensuring better on-campus connectivity,” he said.