Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho has said his government is looking for a piece of land to establish a desalination plant in the region.
Joho said the move is aimed at solving the biting water shortage experienced in the county, as the plant will convert salty water from the Indian Ocean into fresh water that can be used for domestic purposes.
The governor said the plant, which will be situated at Shanzu in the North Coast, is expected to produce 100million litres of water in excess upon completeion.
He, however, expressed concern over the high prices of land in the region, saying the situation has hampered their move to solve the water crisis in the region.
“The price of land quoted by the sellers in the ongoing exercise to identify a site for the desalination plant is astronomical. Three acres used to go for Sh9 million a few years ago but now cost Sh39 million,” said Joho, as quoted by the Standard.
This comes after the county government last month advertised a tender for qualified companies to undertake feasibility studies, as well as construct the plant.