Residents of Vihiga County are set to benefit from improved access to clean and reliable water, following the commissioning of two water projects in Tiriki East and Luanda Sub-Counties.

Vihiga Governor Dr. Wilber Khasilwa Ottichilo on Wednesday commissioned the Izava-Mungavo Water Supply and Catchment Conservation Project in Shamakhokho Ward, Tiriki East Sub-County, and launched the Ebwiranyi Water Project in Luanda Sub-County.

The two projects are among 36 water projects being implemented across the county under the Financing Locally-Led Climate Action (FLLoCA) Programme through the National Treasury and Economic Planning, with support from the World Bank and European partners from Denmark, Sweden, Germany and the Netherlands.

Speaking during the commissioning of the Izava-Mungavo project at Mungavo PAG Church in Kaimosi Municipality, Dr. Ottichilo commended the local Climate Change Committee and community leadership for identifying the need for the project.

“I am working hand in hand with the National Government to bring such development opportunities to the residents of Vihiga County for them to benefit from the same,” he said.

Shamakhokho Ward MCA Richard Muhiga thanked the governor for responding to the community’s request for the water project and appealed for its expansion to benefit more households.

“I would also like to do more expansion for the project in order to accommodate about 500 households. I have set aside Sh2 million to help with the piping, but I am putting out a request to Vihiga Kenya Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (K-WASH) to step in and help with piping for most households in the area,” said Muhiga.

He also appealed for improvement of roads around the project, citing their poor condition.

Vihiga County Director for Climate Change Winstone Atamba said the Izava-Mungavo project was aimed at addressing water shortage in the area.

“We are here to commission the Izava-Mungavo water project under the FLLoCA Programme to curb water shortage in this area,” said Atamba.

He said the project comprises a 12-metre-high rehabilitated water system with a solar-powered pumping facility capable of pumping 20 cubic metres of water per hour into a storage tank for distribution.

The project also includes a storage facility and security features, including CCTV surveillance, with about 100 households already benefiting from the water.

Atamba urged residents to harvest and store water during the rainy season and take precautions against possible landslides and flooding following the forecast of heavy rains between October and January.

Meanwhile, area residents  have welcomed the projects, terming them  as a boost to domestic water access and agricultural activities.

A resident of Luanda sub-county, Paul Mukuna Festo said the Ebwiranyi project would benefit the community by reducing the distance residents travel in search of water.

“This project is beneficial, as many residents will now participate in agriculture and it will reduce the long distance we travel to fetch water,” he said.

The county chief officer for environment, climate change and natural resources Richard Boiyo urged residents to protect the infrastructure to ensure the project remains sustainable.

“I urge residents to take good care of the equipment and not vandalise them, so that this project serves us for long,” he said.

Boiyo said Vihiga Water and Sewerage Company (VIWASCO) would manage the projects after commissioning to ensure residents receive treated, clean and adequate water.

He also urged Community Water Management Committees to work closely with VIWASCO to ensure equitable access to water and safeguard the infrastructure.

The projects mark a step in Vihiga County’s efforts to expand access to clean water, support agricultural activities and strengthen communities’ resilience to climate change.

by Yvonne Misango and Florence Oteng’o