Hope for Samia Residents as Busijo Water Project Rehabilitation Kicks Off
Despite their proximity to Lake Victoria—the third-largest freshwater lake in the world—residents of Bwiri and Ageng’a Nanguba wards have long struggled to access clean and safe water
Busijo Water Project in Busia County kicked off.
The County Government of Busia has launched the rehabilitation of the Kshs 37 million Busijo Water Project, located on the shores of Lake Victoria in Bwiri Ward, Samia Sub-county. This initiative aims to address the persistent water scarcity that has plagued the area for decades.
Despite their proximity to Lake Victoria—the third-largest freshwater lake in the world—residents of Bwiri and Ageng’a Nanguba wards have long struggled to access clean and safe water.
Many have resorted to using untreated lake water, which has led to widespread waterborne diseases such as diarrhea, dysentery, and amoeba.
Speaking at the project’s commissioning, Busia Governor Dr. Paul Otuoma expressed optimism, noting that the project will benefit over 45,000 residents across Bwiri, Ageng’a Nanguba, and neighboring Bunyala North Ward. The initiative, implemented under the Financing Locally Led Climate Action (FLLoCA) program through the Department of Water, seeks to ensure sustainable access to clean water.
“This project is designed not only to address water scarcity in Samia but also to interconnect with other water supply systems, such as the Mundika Water Supply in Matayos Sub-county and the Sisenye Water Supply in Bunyala,” said Governor Otuoma.
Solar Power Integration for Cost Efficiency
The governor highlighted efforts to reduce the project’s operational costs, particularly the high electricity bills estimated at Kshs 500,000 per month. “We plan to introduce a solar component to make the project more cost-effective,” he explained. The water system will also feature a treatment facility at Mumbaka Hills, enabling gravity-based distribution to the wider area.
Currently, the Busijo Water Project serves 326 users, including key institutions such as Busijo Secondary School, Sio Port Sub-county Hospital, Samia Girls and Bujwang’a Primary Schools, and Sio Port Police Station. Plans are underway to connect additional facilities, including Hakati Primary School and Hakati Army Barracks.
Commitment to Timely Completion
Governor Otuoma assured residents that the project would be completed by February 2024. “This is not a new project but one that has been in existence for some time. We now have the opportunity to refine it and deliver the expertise needed to ensure its success,” he remarked. He urged the contractor to adhere to the set timelines and deliver value for money.
Broader Development Initiatives
As part of his five-day tour of the county, Governor Otuoma inspected several ongoing projects in water, health, trade, and agriculture. Key highlights included:
•Inspection of the Sio Port Economic Stimulus Program Market and the Sio Port Sub-county Hospital Theatre in Ageng’a Nanguba Ward.
•Launch of the Namboboto Nambuku Ward Administration Office.
•Inspection of Funyula Disaster Management Centre Offices and the Nangina Dispensary Maternity Unit.
•Commissioning of the Siwongo-Sijowa road gravelling project in Nangina Ward.
The day concluded with the launch of the County Roads Infrastructure Improvement Programme (CRIIP)—a groundbreaking initiative under the devolved system. This program will upgrade 70 kilometers of roads to bitumen standards, 7 kilometers to cabro paving, and maintain 536 kilometers of gravel roads. Additionally, 2,400 kilometers of earth roads will be maintained, with 210 kilometers of new roads opened countywide.
“We are committed to addressing critical infrastructure gaps to transform the livelihoods of our people,” said Dr. Otuoma, signaling a renewed hope for the residents of Busia County.
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