Water and Solar equipment manufacturer, Davis and Shirtliff has embarked on Sh46 million to provide sustainable water solutions during emergency situations like drought and flooding that will benefit Machakos residents.
The company has partnered with Athi Water Services Board (AWSB) to build 16 mobile water treatment units which will turn polluted raw water into clean and safe for drinking.
Speaking during the event, CEO Davis and Shirtliff, Alec Davis, said the 16 water treatment units are quick to assemble and that 10 of them depend on solar energy to produce 600 litres of clean water per hour while the remaining six run on diesel generators to produce about 5000 litres of clean water per an hour.
“Within a very short period, the equipment can be assembled for use even in the most remote locations to treat either saline, turbid or highly mineralized water,” saida Davis.
“With the solar and diesel electric generator options provided with the mobile water treatment units, sophisticated electricity provision will not hamper water provision efforts,” said Davis.
The Chief Manager, Capital Planning and Engineering Services at AWSB, John Muiruri, cited that the increasing irregularity or rainfall and flooding experienced in the country has lowered the access to clean water and increased contamination of the supply leaves residents prone to outbreaks of water diseases.
“One of the major challenges that we face in our jurisdiction is ensuring access to clean and safe water during adverse weather conditions, such as short heavy rains and prolonged droughts, arising from climate variability,” said Muiruri.
The deal is expected to benefit Machakos County residents, who for a long time have been travelling for long distance to access clean water which was not guaranteed especially during rainy and drought seasons.