World Bank to fund Sh1.7b water project

By Michael Wesonga

Uasin Gishu, Kenya: Lake Victoria North Water Services Board has clinched a Sh1.72 billion financing agreement with the World Bank for a water project in Eldoret.

Eldoret Water Services Company (Eldowas) MD Reuben Tuei said the project would significantly increase water supply in the town and end the constant rationing.

He said the project would rely on water supply at Kapseret dam and at Kaptagat-Elegarini.

“The financing agreement has already been signed between the World Bank and the water board including the terms of reference and guidelines for the consultants to do the design work,” he revealed.

He noted they would put up a notice for interested bidders. “Lucky enough, the Kipkaren source is already a dam and what remains is setting up a water treatment plant and a pipeline to transport water to town by pumping since it is at a low gravity area,” Mr Tuei explained yesterday.

He said the Kapseret dam and Elgarini are expected to produce an additional 10,000 and 9,000 cubic metres of water into the Eldoret main grid, which will be a major boost.

The Elgarini Intake will be expanded since it is already at a high gravity area followed by expansion of Kapsoya treatment plant to accommodate the additional supply from Elgarini.

Address deficit

Tuei said the town has a daily demand of 40,000 cubic metres of water whereas it currently produces only about 32,000 cubic metres daily forcing them to ration supply.

Finance Manager Jacob Torut said the project expected to produce 19,000 cubic metres of water, would not only address the deficit but also provide additional supply to meet anticipated future increase in demand.