By Primrose Omoto
About twenty thousand locals are expected to be connected to water services in Kwale by the end of 2023 compared to nine thousand people before devolution after launching three major water projects.
The projects launched by Governor Fatuma and deputy Chirema Kombo include a water quality laboratory, public ablution block and new offices are among World Bank Projects in the area worth Sh2.5 billion set to benefit locals.
The new facilities are part of the Kwale County Integrated Water Supply and Sanitation Project, which aims to improve access to safe and reliable water and sanitation services for the residents of Kwale County.
The projects are funded by the World Bank and implemented by the Coast Water Works Development Agency (CWWDA) in collaboration with the Kwale County Government.
According to Achani the projects are being implemented in Diani and Kwale municipalities.
Speaking during the official launch of the project at Kwale water and sewerage offices in Kwale town, Achani said that her leadership is committed to ensuring that water supply services across the county are improved.
“We appreciate partners like the World Bank for partnering with us in the Water and Sanitation Project which goes hand in hand with our vision to improve the water supply infrastructure in Kwale,” she said.
The Water Quality Laboratory project, she said , will relieve Kwale Water and Sewerage Company workers of the burden of traveling to Mombasa to do water sampling tests, hence saving time.
She urged the water company staff to ensure that Kwale county residents get uninterrupted water supply services.“
It is your duty to also tame and disconnect all illegal water connections that affect KWAWASCO’s service delivery to the people. By doing so you will also help grow the company’s revenue collection and make it more stable and self-sustaining,” she said.
Deputy Governor Chirema Kombo called upon Kwale Water and Sewerage Company workers to be responsible in performing their duties.
“With the new office block and the water quality laboratory, we do not expect water supply services to be interrupted because the company’s management has also empowered everyone. There shouldn’t be any excuse whatsoever that will make you not no perform your duties as required,” he said.
The Deputy Governor also reaffirmed the Kwale county government’s commitment to ensuring that the water supply infrastructure across the county is improved.
“Water is among the key sectors that have been prioritized by Governor Fatuma Achani’s leadership,” he added.
World Bank representative Pascaline Wanjiku pledged commitment to continue partnering with Kwale county government in other development projects to benefit Kwale people.
She added that Kwale county projects implemented under the Water and Sanitation Development Project (WSDP) are among the best.
Water Services Regulatory Board CEO Julius K. Itunga urged other counties to benchmark on the Kwale Water Quality Laboratory project, terming it the best lab component in the project.
