By Reuben Olita, Busia
The Lake Victoria North Water Works Development Agency (LVNWWDA) has secured Ksh 300 million in funding from the African Development Bank (ADB) to address the long-standing water scarcity in Teso North Sub-County, a challenge that has plagued the region for decades without a solution.
During a funeral service for the late Layreader , Ruth Kisaka Kirori, at Aleles village in Katakwa Location, Teso North, Mr John Imoite, the chairman of LVNWWDA, assured the residents that the funding would provide a nearly permanent solution to the water challenges in one of the most populous regions in the county.
Mr Imoite recounted that during President Dr William Ruto’s visit last year to commission the Malakisi Water Treatment Plant, the President tasked him with approaching ADB for funding to ensure that water would be accessible to all residents in Teso North. “Now that the water is available,” Mr. Imoite said, “the ADB accepted our proposals, and the funding has been allocated to resolve the region’s water crisis.”
Out of the Sh300 million, Sh200 million will be directed towards resolving water issues in Mt. Elgon, which have been exacerbated by water-damaged pipes. These pipes were previously tampered with by locals attempting to divert water for irrigation purposes. In response, Mr. Imoite confirmed that new pipes will be installed to channel water to various parts of Bungoma County to mitigate the Mt. Elgon water crisis.
Additionally, Sh100 million has been earmarked for Teso North, with Sh50 million designated for the “last mile” connectivity component.
This initiative will ensure the construction of kiosks along the water distribution route, enabling residents to access water at an affordable cost.
The remaining Sh50 million will be used to tackle the severe sewerage issues in Malaba, a border town that has faced significant challenges in this area, causing suffering for its residents.
Though the funding was initially expected to be available in the 2023/2024 Financial Year, the timeline shifted due to the President’s directive to engage ADB and other lenders.
This led to the successful acquisition of the ADB funding, which will be instrumental in providing last-mile connectivity for the Malakisi-Malaba water project.
Mr Imoite emphasized that while this funding would provide a short-term solution to water and sewerage challenges in Teso North, the Transboundary Angololo Dam project, a collaboration between Kenya and Uganda, would offer a more permanent resolution.
Once completed, the dam will extend water services to surrounding sub-counties, ensuring long-term access to clean water and improved sanitation.
“We expect that by August or September this year, everything will be in place, and families will have access to water once the last-mile connectivity takes effect,” he stated. Mr Imoite also expressed his commitment to completing the project after the 2027 General Election when he plans to run for the Teso North parliamentary seat.
