Kenya: City to get funding for expansion of water supply

The project, funded by the European Investment Bank and the French Development Agency, will be completed in five years.

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Kisumu Water and Sewerage Company MD Thomas Odongo and officials of the European Investment Bank and the French Development Agency in Kisumu on Tuesday/Image: MAURICE ALAL

Residents of Kisumu, Kenya’s third largest city, will benefit from a US$79 million water supply and sewer project that will involve the expansion of water and sewerage infrastructure.

The project, funded by the European Investment Bank and the French Development Agency, will be completed in five years.

The county government has agreed with the development partners to improve water services across Kisumu City and environs, extending to the outskirts of the city.

The Kisumu Water and Sewerage Company MD Thomas Odongo said there will be additional 15,000 water connections within the city and another 3,000 in the satellite towns.

The sewer system will be extended to the Kisumu International Airport and some estates, translating into additional 31 kilometers.

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“The project is in progress and just awaiting the signing of the agreement between the partners,” Odongo said.

Kisumu County Deputy Governor, Dr. Mathews Owili said they are focused on improving water supply as part of efforts to change lives. He added that the county administration has put in place elaborate measures to cover both urban and rural settlements.

He spoke during a meeting with officials from the European Investment Bank and the French Development Agency where they deliberated on the Lake Victoria water service and sanitation project, the extension of sewerage networks and distribution and rehabilitation of water systems.

Kisumu county executives Richard Ogendo (Cooperatives), Dixon Obungu (Lands and Housing) and Lake Victoria South Water Services Board MD Petronila Ogut were present at the meeting.