Homa Bay: The County Government of Homa Bay, in partnership with the French Government through the City of Alenya in Southern France, has commissioned a water project aimed at providing clean and safe drinking water to over 8,000 households in Rusinga Island.
According to Kenya News Agency, the French Ambassador to Kenya, Arnaud Suquet, emphasised the importance of the project in enhancing access to clean water, especially given the challenges posed by climate change, which has exacerbated water scarcity in the region. Speaking after the launch of the Kaswanga water project, he noted that they have put the best expertise in terms of knowledge and technical know-how into the project’s construction.
Suquet highlighted the project’s goal in providing residents with easier access to clean water, a basic necessity that has been difficult to obtain for many years despite the region’s proximity to the lake. He commended the progress of the water project, saying that it is exemplary in terms of the partnership, as it has brought governments together as well as the people of Alenya and those of Rusinga Island. He said the initiative underscores the strength of international partnerships and praised the collaboration for its positive impact on the communities involved.
Governor Gladys Wanga said the project, which has a capacity of 200,000 cubic meters, represents a significant step towards ensuring quality of life for the area residents through the establishment of water points and supply to schools, hospitals, and other public amenities. ‘This is a transformative initiative that is bringing clean water to Rusinga Island that was made possible through the partnership with the city of Alenya in France, the county government of Homa Bay and the Suba North NG-CDF. The project exemplifies a successful multisectoral partnership, bringing together local and international stakeholders to address a critical need in the community,’ said Wanga.
The total investment in the project was Sh99.5 million, with the French government injecting Sh91 million into its establishment. The county government topped up Sh8.5 million for the installation of solar panels and connections to power the water supply system sustainably to facilitate the supply of clean water to five villages, including Kaswanga and other learning institutions. Wanga expressed optimism that the new water supply system will drastically reduce the distance residents previously had to travel for clean water, marking a significant improvement in their daily lives.