Siaya, Kenya – Siaya County Executive Committee Member (CECM) in charge of Water, Environment, Irrigation, and Climate Change, Prof. Jacqueline Oduol, has reaffirmed the county’s commitment to expanding water coverage and ensuring every resident has access to clean and safe drinking water.
Speaking during a consultative meeting with directors of rural water schemes in Siaya, Prof. Oduol emphasized that access to clean water is a constitutional right and a cornerstone of human dignity.
“Water is a right enshrined in our Constitution. Every citizen deserves clean water and dignified sanitation,” Prof. Oduol stated.
She noted that the Nyalore administration, under Governor James Orengo, has prioritized universal water coverage, a key agenda in the County Integrated Development Plan and the Nyalore Manifesto.
Bridging the Gaps in Water Distribution
The consultative forum, according to Prof. Oduol, provided a clear picture of the capacities and challenges faced by different rural water schemes.
“We have identified gaps in some schemes and will work to strengthen them so that more households can receive this precious commodity,” she said.
Currently, Siaya’s water coverage stands at 58 percent (2022). The county aims to raise this figure to 68 percent, a target Prof. Oduol said is achievable through strategic partnerships.
Sh1.2 Billion Ugunja-Sega-Ukwala Project Nears Completion
Prof. Oduol revealed that the Sh1.2 billion Ugunja-Sega-Ukwala water project is complete but requires an additional Sh256 million to extend connections to households. Once operational, the project will serve 57,000 residents of Ugunja and Ugenya sub-counties.
Nyalore’s Strategy: Partnerships and New Investments
The CECM underscored the importance of collaboration between the county government and organizations working in the water sector, citing the enormous financial burden associated with water and sanitation.
“The county cannot do this alone. Partnerships are key to bridging the gap in water provision,” Prof. Oduol observed.
Siaya currently relies heavily on the Siaya-Bondo Water and Sanitation Company (SIBO) and a network of community water schemes to deliver clean water.
Revived and New Water Projects
To boost supply, the Orengo-led administration has revived stalled projects such as Abura and Olago water projects. Additionally, new schemes have been developed at Ahono, Got Matar, and Abura Dam, significantly improving water access for residents of Siaya and Bondo towns.
“The rehabilitation of Abura Dam has eased water shortages in Siaya and Bondo. We have also drilled, equipped, and solarized boreholes across the county,” Prof. Oduol added.
Prof. Oduol reaffirmed that the county’s ultimate goal is to ensure universal access to clean, affordable water for all residents of Siaya.
She was flanked by Chief Officer for Water Michael Oliech Obambo and Water Director Henry Juma during the consultative meeting.
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