Vihiga:Governor Dr. Wilber Ottichilo has inaugurated the M’mbworo Water Supply and Catchment Conservation Project in Lugaga-Wamuluma Ward, aiming to enhance access to clean water for 140 households and several local institutions.
According to Kenya News Agency, the project was executed under the Financing Locally-Led Climate Action (FLLoCA) program through the Vihiga County Climate Change Fund, with financial backing from the World Bank, Sweden, Denmark, and Germany. During the commissioning ceremony at Kitulu, Governor Ottichilo noted that this is the first of 14 water projects implemented in the county this year to be officially launched.
Governor Ottichilo emphasized the county’s commitment to further develop the project in collaboration with the project management committee and the local Member of the County Assembly by installing additional water tanks to extend the service to more residents. Each ward in the county receives Sh20 million for development projects identified by MCAs.
Deputy Governor Wilberforce Kitiezo highlighted the project’s significance for women, who previously had to travel long distances for water. He encouraged residents to protect the infrastructure for its long-term benefit.
Chief Officer Richard Boiyo expressed gratitude for the local community’s cooperation and praised the contractor for timely completion. He emphasized the importance of beneficiaries paying for water based on usage to ensure the project’s sustainability.
Director Winstone Atamba confirmed the connection of 140 households to the water supply and mentioned that Milele Hospital, Friends Kitulu Primary School, and Madira Girls are among the institutions benefiting from the project.
Lugaga-Wamuluma MCA Fredrick Mavisi Muhindi thanked the county for addressing the area’s water issues, noting the project’s service to approximately 16 villages. He also acknowledged the benefit of water tanks and hand-washing facilities in schools for improving hygiene.
Project Supervisor Morphat Onyango explained that the project included constructing a 100-cubic-metre clear-water sump, spring rehabilitation, and building an office for solar panels and the pumping system. A submersible pump now delivers water to the main tank at Friends Kitulu Primary School for distribution to connected households.
