Ministry to fast track completion of water supply and sewerage systems in North Rift to serve bulging population

Water and Irrigation Ministry is fast tracking the completion of major water supply and sewerage projects in the North Rift to increase access to these services as urban population continues to bulge.

Prof. Fred Segor Principal Secretary Ministry of Water and Irrigation while on a tour to assess progress of initiated projects said there is urgent need to complete the developments in order to effectively match the demand.

"There is a rising demand of water and sewerage services in Eldoret, Kapsabet and Iten towns due to the increasing population. Currently the available water supply systems can only serve less than 60 per cent of the people leading to frequent rationing plans," said Segor.

Segor stated that water supply is a key component of urban centres development plan and his ministry is determined to ensure that it plays its role to ensure that economic growth is not impeded due to slow progress of projects.

He pointed out that the North Rift hub of Eldoret is majorly relying on a supply station constructed over 50 years ago in Kaptagat Forest alongside the Chebara Dam in Elgeyo Marakwet that only provide 39,000 cubic metres of water per day against the daily demand of 53,000 cubic metres hence need for additional supply.

"We have assessed a potential supply station near the Eldoret International Airport and Sabor area that will help reduce the deficit significantly and works will commence immediately to operationalize them this year," he explained.

The Principal Secretary who was accompanied by Lake Victoria North Water Services Board Chairman Joseph Lagat, Elgeyo Marakwet County Deputy Governor, Gabriel Lamaon and other directors in the State Water Department said the Sh2 billion project in Sabor sponsored by the Belgium government that began in June 2015, will be completed by September 2016.

"On completion the Sabor Water Supply and Sewerage project will directly serve over 65,000 residents of Iten and Tambach areas in Elgeyo Marakwet County. Iten despite being a developed town has no stable sewerage system and we believe the completion of the project will be of great benefit to the locals," Segor said.

Mr. Lamaon was impressed with the implementation progress of the developments, saying the Sabor project has 60 per cent of the basic works covered meaning the county will ksoon have increased access to water and sewerage services.

"It is a plus for us and we are determined to work hand in hand to ensure that we attain our development goals with all stakeholders.

Segor challenged all Kenyans to be on the forefront of conserving existing forests, planting and ensuring maturity of trees as the only way of attaining sufficient water supply.

"It is our responsibility compatriots to conserve the environment, currently national access to water is at 53 per cent and we only have 14 years to get this to 100 per cent, concerted efforts and collective responsibility is key in this," said Segor.