Austrian bank inks Sh800m water deal

Kisii Governor James Ongwae(right) and Kisii High Court Presiding Judge Lady Justice Rose Ougo when the Judge paid a courtesy call on the governor in his office. [File, Standard]

An Austrian bank will fund Sh800 million water project in Mokubo village in Bomachoge Chache.

Unicredit Bank has signed an agreement to finance the Mokubo water project that will pump out one million cubic metres of water each day and serve residents in two neighbouring constituencies - Bomachoge Borabu and South Mugirango.

The National Treasury and the Ministry of Water are facilitating the project, which was initiated by the Kisii County Government.

Governor James Ongwae, who said that a feasibility study was being finalised, lauded the bank for agreeing to back the project that is expected to address chronic water shortage in the region.

Mr Ongwae said the process of transferring land ownership was almost complete and that public participation meetings were underway.

“The project covers water and sanitation and a major treatment facility. It has facilitation for water kiosks, which will serve homesteads, schools, markets and other public institutions.”

The governor said his administration was committed to providing safe and clean water to residents.

“The project is a major boost to the county’s water project, which includes boreholes, water schemes, and reticulation programmes."

Water, Environment and Natural Resource Executive Skitter Ocharo said they had done due diligence and the region’s water authority - the Lake Victoria South Water Works Development Agency (LVSWWDA) - was ready to start work.

Kimani Rebo, who was representing MUT Austria Company, said their focus was on coordinating the relevant stakeholders for the project to take off.

Mr Kimani said this was among the company's first projects, which it was hoped would have a positive impact on rural residents.

LVSWWDA's asset development manager Paul Awanda said they would offer technical support.