President William Ruto has commissioned the Sh8.4 billion Lake Victoria Water and Sanitation Project in Kisumu City, a major investment expected to significantly expand access to reliable water and sewerage services in the lakeside city.
The project will connect an additional 53,000 households to reliable water supply and extend sewerage services to 23,000 more households, in a move expected to improve living conditions and strengthen public health in Kisumu.
President Ruto said the project will more than double sewerage coverage in the city, addressing one of the key challenges associated with rapid urban growth and increasing demand for essential services.
The project is being undertaken by the Lake Victoria South Water Works Development Agency (LVSWWDA) under the leadership of its Chief Executive Officer, Madam Jackline Kemunto, who is spearheading the implementation of the major water and sanitation investment in the region.
Under the leadership of Madam Kemunto, the agency is expected to play a central role in coordinating the implementation of the project and ensuring that the planned expansion of water and sewerage infrastructure translates into improved services for residents of Kisumu City.
The agency’s involvement comes at a critical time when Kisumu is experiencing rapid population growth and urban expansion, placing increased pressure on existing water and sanitation infrastructure.
Through the project, LVSWWDA will oversee the development and expansion of infrastructure aimed at increasing water connectivity while improving sewerage coverage across the city.
The expansion of sewerage infrastructure is expected to help improve sanitation, reduce environmental pollution and minimise the risks associated with inadequate disposal of wastewater.
For thousands of Kisumu residents, the expansion of the water network is also expected to ease the challenges of accessing reliable and safe water for domestic use and other economic activities.
Improved water supply is expected to benefit households, businesses, schools, hospitals and other institutions while supporting economic activities within the city.
The sewerage component will also play a critical role in improving the management of wastewater and protecting the environment, particularly in a city located along the shores of Lake Victoria.
The investment is therefore expected to have implications beyond improved household services, with better sanitation contributing to a healthier urban population and a cleaner environment.
The commissioning marks a significant milestone in efforts to upgrade Kisumu’s water and sanitation infrastructure and provide services that can keep pace with the city’s growing population.
With the additional 53,000 households targeted for connection to the water network and 23,000 households expected to benefit from expanded sewerage services, the project is set to transform the delivery of basic services across Kisumu City.
The Sh8.4 billion investment also underscores the growing focus on water and sanitation infrastructure as an important pillar of urban development.
For LVSWWDA, the project represents an important opportunity to strengthen its role in delivering major water and sanitation infrastructure and improving access to essential services across its area of jurisdiction.
Residents and businesses will now look forward to the implementation of the project and the eventual expansion of water and sewerage services to more parts of the city.
The project is expected to contribute to Kisumu’s long term development by improving access to essential services, strengthening sanitation and supporting a healthier and more sustainable urban environment.
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