Govt. secures Sh20.7bn for water projects

The government has signed an agreement with two international irrigation consultancy firms for the design and supervision of lower Nzoia Irrigation project phase 1 and Mwache dam projects.

Water and Irrigation Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa said the projects, worth Sh27 billion seek to improve water supply and irrigation.

Of the funds, Sh10.3 billion will go towards implementation of lower Nzoia irrigation project and improvement of Nzoia river flood mitigation structures while Sh17 billion has been allocated towards construction of Mwache Dam in Kwale County.

“In our vision 2030 we expect this country to be water secure and to achieve universal access,” Mr Wamalwa said.

The project was initiated in 2013 by World Bank aimed at improving access to water and sanitation.

German firm Lahmeyer International working with Quadrant Engineering consultants of Kenya will design the Nzoia irrigation project while Japanese firm Nippon Koei in will work on the Mwache dam project.

Both firms have been awarded Sh2 billion for their consultancy services.

The Ministry of Water and Irrigation has set aside Sh800 million to resettle families and communities that will be displaced by the projects.

“We have provided the funds to resettle those who will be displaced by the water project and we are working with the National Lands Commission in the resettlement program,” he said

Work on the water projects is expected to commence in June 2017.