Thirst quenched: Belgium's Sh1.7 billion project brings piped water to thousands

Over 200,000 residents across all five sub-counties will benefit from the water initiative. [iStockphoto]

Thirsty residents of Vihiga County eagerly await the completion of the Sh1.7 billion Belgium-funded water project, which will provide them with unlimited access to clean drinking water.

Hundreds of households expect to benefit from the last mile connection under the Vihiga Water Cluster project, which was launched five years ago and consists of three phases to cover the entire county.

The Maseno phase covers Emuhaya and Luanda sub-counties, the Mbale phase includes Vihiga and Sabatia sub-counties, and the Kaimosi phase covers the expansive Hamisi sub-county.

Acting Water Services Officer James Odiero stated that the project is nearing completion, with the last mile connection underway. This comes as good news to residents as they join other Kenyans in celebrating World Water Day today.

"This project is funded by the Belgium government in partnership with the Vihiga County government. We are happy to announce that perennial scarcity of clean water could be a thing of the past," said Mr Odiero.

Over 200,000 residents across all five sub-counties will benefit from the initiative.

Odiero explained that the county has allocated additional funds in the budget to supplement the Belgian government's support, ensuring access to clean and safe water for its residents.

Water distribution is projected to reach over 5 million cubic meters daily for the Maseno and Mbale phases and 2.5 cubic meters for the Kaimosi phase.

Odiero confirmed that reticulation has been completed for the main line, and the last mile connectivity will include metering for all customers. Smart metering, he added, will help generate resources for improved service delivery.

The project, which has already started underground piping to households in selected areas, is awaiting final plumbing works.

"We are also rehabilitating and upgrading existing tanks, and installing new ones," said Odiero.

Among the areas where tanks have been erected are Kima Mission Hospital, Emunua Primary, Ebusakami Primary, Shamakhokho and Munoinywa.

To ensure sustainability and reduce costs, solar panels have been installed in three key stations under the project. Kaimosi station has 250 solar panels, while Mbale and Maseno phases have 750 and 520 panels, respectively.

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