Uasin Gishu County has started off a program that will ensure clean water reaches the grassroots, with the devolved unit launching an ambitious multi-million bore-hole drilling project at ward levels.
The county government, led by Governor Jackson Mandago, as part of its goals, wants to ensure that a bigger percentage of households, schools and dispensaries get access to clean water by the end of 2017.
Wednesday, County Executive in charge of Water Mary Njogu commissioned the drilling exercise at Jua Kali Centre in Turbo sub county and thereafter another in Segero-Barsombe Ward in Moiben sub county.
The county government will spend Sh30 million for the bore-hole drilling project whose first phase is expected to be completed by end of this year.
According to Mrs Njogu, the bore-hole drilling project is geared to helping constituents in areas without dams get alternative sources of water. Eighteen bore-holes will be sunk in this program.
“Of course this project targets areas that are either far from the Eldowas pipes or those which do not have dams nearby.”
“Jua Kali for example, is far from water bodies as dams and the coming of the public bore-hole will greatly benefit schools, households, dispensaries and markets. You realize the center is growing very fast, therefore water is very important here,” Mrs Njogu added.
The county is also looking to acquire another piece of land near Kambi Kuku, where another bore-hole will be sunk. Some of the areas to benefit from this program are Soi and Barsombe, among others.
Fourteen drilling machines have been tendered from the national government to carry out the exercise. Huge tanks will be erected and water supplied to households and amenities.