Angurai Residents Call for Swift Completion of Kolanya Solar-Powered Water Project
The local community has expressed optimism that the completion and commissioning of the project will significantly alleviate the long-standing water shortage in the area.
solar-powered water project at Kolanya Girls National School.
Residents of Angurai Ward in Teso North Constituency have called on the Busia County Government to fast-track the completion of the KSh25 million solar-powered water project at Kolanya Girls National School.
The project, once completed, is expected to provide clean and safe water to over 2,500 households and five learning institutions, including Kolanya Girls, Kolanya Boys, Chemasiri Technical Training Institute (TTI), and Kolanya Complex.
The local community has expressed optimism that the completion and commissioning of the project will significantly alleviate the long-standing water shortage in the area.
Many residents have been relying on seasonal streams, which are often contaminated and dry up during prolonged dry spells.
“For years, we have depended on dirty streams, sharing the water with livestock. These streams usually dry up during the dry season,” said John Kituyi, a resident of Kolanya. “We believe the Kolanya water project will be a game changer by providing a steady supply of clean water.”
Wilson Papa, another resident, urged the county government to extend water distribution lines to homes and market centres to improve accessibility. “I appeal to the county government to connect the water to our homesteads so we can access it easily,” he said.
The solarized Kolanya water project is designed to complement the Malaba Water Treatment Plant located at Malakisi, along the Busia-Bungoma border. Treated water from the plant will be pumped to Kolanya storage tanks and then distributed via gravity to Oshoromo Hills and surrounding areas.
According to project engineers, over 90% of the core infrastructure—including pipeline installation and construction of storage tanks—has been completed.
The final phase, which involves last-mile connectivity, will be undertaken by the Busia Water and Sewerage Company (BUWASCO).
Busia Governor Dr. Paul Otuoma emphasized the county’s shift towards sustainable energy sources to address the high cost of electricity, which has historically hindered water service delivery.
“Busia is a low-lying county, and we need energy to operate our water schemes. Electricity costs have been a major challenge,” said Dr. Otuoma.
“With the adoption of green energy, including the Financing Locally-Led Climate Action (FLLoCA) program, we aim to meet our energy needs sustainably while ensuring clean water reaches our communities,” he added.
Governor Otuoma also urged Members of Parliament to legislate for lower electricity tariffs for water schemes, stressing that access to water is a fundamental human right. “Some tariffs are unrealistic and over-commercialize water. We must ensure water remains accessible to all,” he concluded.
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