CS Mugaa Calls for Completion of Stalled Water Projects Before Seeking More Funds

Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Water, Sanitation, and Irrigation, Eng. Eric Muriithi Mugaa, has called on the Kakamega County government and other stakeholders in the Western region to complete ongoing water projects before requesting additional funding. He stressed that several projects remain unfinished and must be prioritized.

Speaking during the launch of the strategic plan by the Lake Victoria North Water Works Development Agency (LVNWWDA), the CS emphasized the importance of completing the Maraba sewerage project, which is designed to serve Maraba town and its surrounding areas.

“In order to request more funding from the national government, we must first ensure that delayed projects, such as the Maraba sewerage project, are completed,” Mugaa stated.

He added that, with the support of the Lake Victoria North Water Works Development Agency, the region is on the path to achieving 100% water supply, in line with the Vision 2030 agenda.

“The development of this strategy has been an ambitious, collaborative effort, reflecting diverse inputs from both local and global industry leaders. Moreover, this plan aligns not only with the government’s Vision 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals but also with the real and pressing needs of your communities,” he said.

CS Mugaa expressed his gratitude to partners and stakeholders for their ongoing support in the journey toward sustainable water management. 

“This plan will help us increase water coverage and improve sanitation services, leading to better health outcomes for our communities,” he noted.

Kakamega Governor H.E. Fernandes Barasa congratulated the agency for achieving this significant milestone, ensuring a clear and actionable plan. He pledged the county's support for initiatives aimed at solving the region’s water access challenges. 

“As a county, we are committed to ensuring a reliable water supply for all our citizens through our project ‘Amatsi Kumuliango.’ With the support of the Lake Victoria North Water Works Development Agency, we are confident we will realize this goal,” Governor Barasa stated.

The 2023-2027 strategic plan by LVNWWDA is estimated to cost approximately KSh 34 billion annually and will cover more than six counties within the Lake Victoria Basin area—Nandi, Kisumu, Bungoma, Busia, Trans Nzoia, and Kakamega.

Joel Wamalwa, the CEO of LVNWWDA, highlighted the agency’s core mandate to develop and maintain water infrastructure to enhance access to clean water and sanitation across the region, including Kakamega, Trans Nzoia, Bungoma, Vihiga, Nandi, and Busia counties.

“Our goal is to provide clean water and sanitation services to communities throughout the larger Lake Victoria region, including Kakamega, Nandi, Trans Nzoia, Bungoma, Vihiga, and Busia counties,” Wamalwa said.

Wamalwa also condemned the issue of non-revenue water—water supplied by private stakeholders that is unaccounted for by official water service providers and sold at exorbitant rates. He emphasized the need to eliminate non-revenue water across the entire Lake Victoria region.

“We will ensure that illegal water connections and unauthorized take-offs are sealed, and those responsible will be prosecuted,” he stated.

He further mentioned plans to enter into a memorandum of understanding with water service providers to better manage existing infrastructure. “Where there is poor water supply, some individuals puncture main lines to sell water illegally. With improved infrastructure, we will connect more people and put an end to this issue,” he concluded.