Bungoma County: More than 20, 000 people in Mt. Elgon region are set to benefit after completion of a Sh. 47 million water project at Banantega in Cheptais district funded by Kenya civil society strengthening program (KCSSP) together with Changieni Rasili Mali (CRM).
The project chairman Kiboi Kigae says it was started in the year 2013 after consultation with the area residents, adding that they needed a project that could unite the community again after the post election violence experienced in the year 2007/2008.
“After several consultative meetings with members of the community we settled on building a hospital and starting a water project but we had to prioritize the water project since residents were travelling for longer distances to access water previously,” he said.
He added that they were lucky as their proposal was approved and received funds to start construction of the project and build a 350000 litre capacity tank and directed water from the source, which is river Chebkoo 7 kilometers away.
The chairman however says with more funding they can extend the water project to other parts of Bungoma County since many residents in other parts are also in need of water.
“If we can get Sh. 70 million we can supply the water to other parts of Bungoma County hence call upon the county government and other donors to come and partner with us to make the vision a reality,” he added
The residents led by Janet Chebet applauded the donors for having set up the noble project saying they are now relieved and are performing their duties with ease as compared to the previous years where they could travel for long distances to access water.
“The water project has enhanced peace in this region as we always meet at water points and interact as we spread the word of peace among ourselves and encourage each other to forget hatred that was experienced during the post election violence,” she added.
She further disclosed that the water is clean and safe for home consumption but previously they were sharing water points with their domestic animals such as donkeys and cows which contaminated the water leading to a rise in water borne diseases and deaths an issue that has now been contained.
Since its inception the water project has also helped farmers irrigate their crops that include onions, potatoes, tomatoes, vegetables among others which have helped boost the economic status of the region as it improves food security of the country at large.
Source: http://westfm.co.ke/index-page-news-bid-12275.htm
