The Ksh 1 billion Malaba Water Supply and Sewerage projects were formally handed over to contractors at a ceremony presided over by Busia Deputy Governor Moses Mulomi in Malaba Wednesday. Mulomi said the African Development Bank (AfDB) funded project will benefit over 120,000 residents of Teso North in Busia County and Bumula, Sirisia and Kabuchai constituencies in Bungoma County, adding that Kshs 700m will cover the water supply component and Kshs 300m the sewerage system.
The total water demand for the project area has been estimated at 5,000 cubic metres per day which will increase to 8150m3 in the future and to 13,620m3 /day by 2029.
The project will entail construction of 11km gravity intake and rehabilitation Kakoli springs, and storage tanks at Koteko hill, Kocholia, Kokare, Angurai, Mwari Hills and Akoret hills in Teso North. A new line will be put from Rwatama-Kolanya- Chamasiri, while Water kiosks will also be constructed in designated points.
The sanitation component will include construction of 4,000m3/day new sewerage treatment plant for Malaba Town and construction of five ablution blocks at Amagoro, Kocholia, Angurai, Malakisi and Amukura.
The DG urged the National Government through the Ministry of Lands and Physical Planning to exercise fairness while compensating those who have lost their land in Amoni Location.
“I also want contractors for the two components to subcontract Busia residents and employ the locals including artisans, electricians and plumbers who have graduated from local Vocational Training Centres,” he said.
The CEO for Rift Valley Water Service Board (RVWSB) Eng. Hosea Wendott said they are ready to ensure the works are done in prescribed time and to required standards.
“This infrastructure belongs to Busia County people; accept and guard it jealously so that it is completed in time. We are also aware there are a few things we are required to fulfill including compensation,” he said and called for co-operation from all stakeholders to enable them fulfil their mandate.
LVNWSB chair Robert Wawire said the new Mt Elgon Gravity Water scheme which is in the pipeline will pump water to Amagoro- Amukura- Nambale- Busia Town and its environs.
Busia County Water Executive Dr Isaac Alukwe said despite the long journey the completion of the project will spur socio-economic Development. He urged the locals to embrace the project and the people of Amoni to be treated fairly.
CECM for Lands Prof Grephas Opata, MCAS Benard Papa (Malaba Central), David Kokonya (Malaba South), Patrick Omanyala (Malaba North) and BUWASCCO chair Dr George Kwedho urged the locals to embrace the project, adding that it will change the face of the border town.
