25 Aug Shs.1.7B Lower Sio Water Project to benefit 10,000 families

The Lower Sio Water Project to cost Sh1.7 billion will benefit 10,000 families with 2500 acres of land to be irrigated,  Chief Administrative Secretary for the Ministry of Water, Sanitation and Irrigationi Dr. Andrew Tuimur has revealed.

Speaking at Butunyi Primary School where he commissioned the Butunyi Borehole Water Supply Project, in Busia County, the CAS said the irrigation  project suffered initial challenges when tendering was cancelled.

“It is now under re-tendering process with the contractor expected on site in December, ” he said, adding that the project executed through National Irrigation Agency will be completed by 2022 Financial Year, ” he said.

Flanked by Busia Deputy Governor Moses Mulomi and officers from the Lake Victoria North Water Works Development Agency, County and National Governments, the CAS said the Government’s plan is to increase water coverage in the country to 100 per cent by 2030 from the current 60%.

He also disclosed that the Government through National Water Trust Fund has initiated 355 water projects in partnership with the County Government of Busia to the tune of Sh255m, noting that the project has helped 296,000 people.

Dr. Tuimur emphasized that the Government is constructing three water pans in Funyula area with four  more to cost similar amount to follow, adding that the Government is exploring means through the National Harvesting and Storage Authority, and LVNWWDA to harness rain water and end perennial floods in the region.

The Deputy Governor of Busia County Mr. Moses Mulomi said Busia County Government has constructed 250 water source points in the last financial year with 100 being solar powered to push water coverage in the county to 56%.

He thanked LVNWWDA for initiating many water projects in the county, noting that Butula has not been left out with water projects cutting across all wards.

Water Executive Dr. Isaac Alukwe said the Borehole with a tested yield of 2500 litres per hour will benefit about 3000 people, and it will serve Butunyi Primary, Secondary, Community Vocational Training Centre and Catholic Church.

Photo: Water CAS Andrew Tuimur at Butunyi Primary School on Thursday.

– The Butunyi water project.