Bondo District Water Supply Project

The second largest fresh water lake in the world is Lake Victoria, and borders on three East African countries of Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. Although blessed with this large water expanse, modern lake transportation facilities are lacking and this makes it difficult to travel fast and cheaply between these countries via the lake. The basin is home to the Luo people who are Kenya's third largest ethnic group. The area is the most densely populated and productive in the country. Unfortunately for the inhabitants of Bondo and Siaya districts, of the administrative Nyanza province, that live within the basin have no access to clean drinking water. Running water only serves government offices and the district hospital from two dilapidated supply systems that require major rehabilitation.

The lack of water to schools has impacted negatively in junior schools and resulted in low enrolment, frequent transfers of teachers and indiscipline in high schools where students have to fetch water from long distances during school time. Water borne diseases such as - diarrhea, typhoid, bilharzias and cholera - are rampant and together with the HIV/AIDS pandemic, death toll from these diseases are some of the highest in the country.

The project area covers a total area of 972 sq. km, with a total population of approx. 300,000 people, and is planned to be implemented in three phases as follows:

  • Phase one: Rehabilitation of old water projects and Water Pans
  • Phase two: Bondo District Water Supply (pilot project)
  • Phase three: Siaya District Water Supply (first extension of project)

In Phase One, a survey will be done to evaluate the condition of existing water supplies and decision of which ones can be rehabilitated, including the construction of water pans to provide constant water supply for domestic animals throughout the year. There will be need to extend electricity to water control points. This is estimated to cost $ 4.0 - $6.0million.

Phase two will be the actual design of the new Bondo Water District Supply (a pilot project) to cover the whole district. This will phase will cover, construction of Main Water supply lines and extension of supply to all institutions and villages. This new phase is estimated to cost $15.0mn - $20.0million

Depending upon successful construction and successful implementation of pilot project, and availability of funding, the project will be extended to the neighbouring Siaya District with a population of approx.400,000 inhabitants. This phase may also cost: $15mn. - $20mn.

The government and people living in the area fully support these projects, and the local community will provide land as required.