County Government of Laikipia

The much anticipated Nanyuki Bulk Water Supply is finally crystallizing after the process of getting a firm to carry out the technical study of the project.

  

Last week Nawasco took for a site visit consultants seeking to bid for the technical study of the project which includes the dam, the transmission line, and the treatment works station. This will help the bidders have a glimpse of the real issues on the ground as well as the scope of work before bidding.

  

The winner is expected to come up with a design of the mega-dam which is expected to have a depth of 35 meters to hold four million cubic meters of water.

  

It is expected to supply 223,000 people within Nawasco's 286 square kilometers jurisdiction with a reliable water supply. This includes the population in the neighboring areas of Nyeri and Meru.

  

USAID through WASH-FIN is funding the study as well as the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA).

  

The National Treasury has already approved a PPP model to be used to fund the project.

  

The dam will help in collecting surface water which causes flooding and destroys property because of the lack of a streamlined way. The floods also adversely affect traffic within Nanyuki town, especially after heavy rains.

  

Nawasco took the consultants to the proposed site to allow them to appreciate the scope of the project in terms of components.

  

Nanyuki's population is growing rapidly and the need for a reliable water supply is also growing by the day. Unpredictable weather patterns have not helped matters for the residents.

  

The idea is to store enough flood water which otherwise would go to waste and release it when there is no rain.

  

The visit came as a part of the series of feasibility studies that are normally done to ascertain all aspects are well-taken care of and show why the project is crucial.

  

The Government is keen to allow consultants to conduct a preliminary environmental impact assessments to warrant little disturbance of the ecosystem. The project also looks at proper disposals which will not adversely affect the environment.

  

The geotechnical investigation results from the site established construction of a safe, cost-effective project with maximum yield from the vital natural resource.

  

The feasibility studies and geotechnical investigations will advise the design and materials of the project to use.

  

Water for production dominantly features in the governor's manifesto and the results are seen from lobbying for such a mega project on top of the numerous boreholes drilling and equipping.

  

The transformation that has taken place in Solio is a successful case example of the real meaning of understanding water as life.

  

Availability of reliable clean and enough water allows for the economic empowerment of society through irrigation. Clean and reliable water raises high hygiene levels and reduces disease burden on the community and government.

  

(Published by ICT | Source: Laikipia Weekly Bulletin Issue 0058)