Nairobi: Construction of the much-anticipated Ebukholi Water Supply and Catchment Conservation Project in North East Bunyore Ward is steadily progressing, with 30% of the work already complete. Once finalized, the project is expected to transform lives by providing constant access to clean and safe water for hundreds of residents in the area.
According to Kenya News Agency, the project is being implemented by the Directorate of Climate Change under the Financing Locally-Led Climate Action Program (FLLoCA) and features a wide range of infrastructural and environmental components aimed at ensuring both sustainability and efficiency. Among the major works underway is the protection and conservation of the spring that serves as the main water source.
To support operations, a duty office is being constructed alongside a 100m³ underground masonry sump tank that will act as a clear water reservoir. To boost energy efficiency and promote the use of green energy, solar panels are being installed and commissioned, complete with CCTV cameras and security lighting to safeguard the facility.
A powerful submersible pump with the capacity to pump 20m³ of water per hour at a height of 100 meters is also part of the system. An elevated steel-pressed tank, with a similar capacity of 100,000 litres, is being mounted on a 12-meter-high tower, allowing for efficient water distribution by gravity.
The network will include 1,340 meters of rising main pipes and 3,940 meters of distribution lines, ensuring water reaches far-flung areas. As part of its community focus, the project includes last-mile connectivity for 100 households, each fitted with individual water meters to ensure fair and managed usage.
Additionally, environmental conservation and climate change mitigation safeguards are being integrated to protect the ecosystem and enhance the project's long-term viability. Once completed, the Ebukholi Water Supply Project is expected to significantly improve health, sanitation, and livelihoods in North East Bunyore. It stands as a model of how locally led climate action could deliver impactful, sustainable development tailored to community needs.