Homa Bay County to drill 21 boreholes to ease water scarcity in region

Homa Bay Governor Cyprian Awiti has announced a plan to sink 21 boreholes at strategic locations across the county.

Speaking in Ngoche village in Karachuonyo constituency, Mr Awiti said the tenders for the boreholes were advertised last week and the drilling is set to start in the next two weeks.

He said the project will draw funds from the Sh65 million kitty set aside for water provision in the current financial year.

"We have declared 2015 the year of water and the sinking of the 21 boreholes is part of a wider plan to supply residents with clean water in the next two years," said Awiti.

He added: "The 21 boreholes will add to several water projects we are already undertaking in the areas worst-affected by water scarcity."

The governor said they will collaborate with the Islamic Aid Foundation in the project.

The President of the foundation, Sheikh Khalfan Khamis, said they will work closely with the county government to help improve lives of Homa Bay people through provision of water and health care.

Population growth

"We have deep interest in Homa Bay because the governor is a very humble and honest man who is keen on improving the lives of the people," said Khamis, who is also the chair of the National Council of Muslim Scholars in Kenya.

Mr Awiti said his government pay more attention to water, health and infrastructure in the current financial year. Homa Bay County boasts abundant water resources due to its proximity to Lake Victoria, but rapid population expansion and climate change has compounded water shortages.