The National Government’s flagship Malaba water and sanitation project, aimed at benefiting more than 80,000 residents in Busia, is entering its final phase.
With a budget of Sh. 900 million, the water project stands at 95% completion and is scheduled for commissioning by the President in early October.
During an inspection of the project in Malaba, Olando Sitati, the Rift Valley Regional Director for the National Government Development-County Implementation Coordination and Management Committee (NGD-CICMC), highlighted the government’s commitment to ensuring universal access to water for both domestic and agricultural use.
“Our visit’s main purpose is to oversee the progress of the Malaba-Malakisi water and sanitation project, a flagship initiative aligned with the Kenya Kwanza manifesto’s goal of providing clean water to every doorstep,” Sitati explained.
Malaba town has been grappling with sanitation issues due to the absence of sewerage systems. The project’s imminent completion is expected to address these challenges and improve drainage in the border town.
“We’ve completed significant portions of the project, including piping and compensations to landowners where the pipes have been laid. In terms of connectivity, we’re at 98% completion,” he added.
Sitati urged residents of Busia and parts of Bungoma counties to embrace the project as they stand to gain the most from it.
Teso North Deputy County Commissioner, Stephen Omondi Wambura, also praised the government’s prioritization of the area, which has a history of water scarcity.
“The project will ensure a consistent supply of clean water to thousands of residents in Teso North sub-county,” DCC Wambura remarked.
Upon completion, the project will be handed over to the Busia county government through the Busia Water and Sewerage Company (BUWASCO).
Engineers from the Central Rift Valley Water Works Development Agency corroborated that the project was nearing its final stages.
