Residents set to benefit from Sh215m sewage plant

The rehabilitation of the Sh215 million sewerage plant that is to serve residents of Homa Bay town is complete.

The plant, which has been under rehabilitation since July last year was funded by the national government in partnership with the World Bank through the Lake Victoria Environmental Management Programme phase two (LVMP II).

Blue Tex Company, the firm contracted to undertake the project, handed over the plant to LVMP II yesterday in Homa Bay town.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources Director in charge of Administration Charity Chepkonga said the sewerage plant will help combat pollution at Lake Victoria.

Ms Chepkonga said the poor sewerage system in the town was exposing the lake to high risks of water pollution.

She asked locals to make good use of the sewer plant to promote sanitation in the town and avoid water borne diseases that are more common in the area.

"This project is going to save this county and its residents from cases of diseases which result from poor sanitation," she said.

LVEMP II–Kenya National Project Co-ordinator Francisca Owuor told the county government to set aside a budget for the project that will be used for its maintenance.

"This project will need to be maintained. My advice to the county government is that a kitty for its maintenance should be created to enable its sustainability," she said.

Environment Executive Maryline Agwa said the county will maintain the project for its sustainability.

The plant covers sewer lines within the radius of 4km.