3,000 households affected as Rangwe water project breaks down

Residents of Kiruo Village, Gem East Location in Homa Bay County visit a water project which has broken down for more than four months. [James Omoro, Standard]

More than 3,000 households are facing a water shortage after machines at a project broke down.

Residents, who depend on Rangwe Integrated Water Project, now rely on other sources, putting them at risk of diarrhoel diseases because the water is not treated.

The project in Kiruo Village, Gem East location in Rangwe sub-county, broke down more than four months ago.

The project has been serving residents of Gem East, Gem West and Gem Central including Rangwe town.

The project is comprised of a borehole and pipes that supply treated water to kiosks. 

According to Walter Opiyo, one of the beneficiaries of the project, many people now depend on unsafe water from River Rangwe, which is seasonal.

“We are at risk of contracting cholera and other communicable diseases,” Mr Opiyo said.

He called on the department of Water to intervene. Women who were interviewed said water in River Rangwe is full of human waste.

“I have on several occasions found human waste in my bucket when I draw water from the river. We want the water project to be repaired,” said Rael Akinyi.