The Lake Victoria Basin Commission (LVBC) has acquired Sh1.6 billion in funding from the German Development Bank (KfW) and the European Union (EU) to enhance sanitation infrastructure in Manyatta, an informal settlement in Kisumu City.
Key Features of the Initiative
- Construction of 550 Modern Toilet Blocks: Manyatta A will benefit from these sanitation facilities to curb open defecation and improve hygiene.
- Extension of Sewerage System: A 15-kilometer sewer extension will be built to reduce the discharge of untreated waste into Lake Victoria, which serves as a critical water source for East Africa.
- Funding Details:
- Sh800 million has been disbursed to commence the project.
- The remaining Sh800 million is expected to be released next year.
Regional and Environmental Impact
According to Programme Coordinator Arsene Aime Mukubwa, the project is part of the Integrated Water Resources Management Programme (IWRMP), a regional strategy to enhance water quality in Lake Victoria.
- The project targets reducing pollution caused by open defecation, which contributes to lake contamination.
- Similar efforts are planned across urban settlements around Lake Victoria, including Kampala (Uganda), Mwanza (Tanzania), and Kigali (Rwanda).
“The lake continues to face rapid pollution, particularly from urban areas. This program is crucial to reversing that trend,” Mukubwa stated.
Local Goals and Achievements
Kisumu County has prioritized sanitation improvements under Governor Prof. Anyang Nyong’o’s administration:
- The county aims to scale access to proper sanitation to 70% by 2027, up from 33.1% as of 2022.
- Current challenges include open defecation, which stands at 4.8% in Kisumu, and inadequate toilet facilities in certain areas.
- Fredrick Oluoch, Kisumu’s Director of Public Health, commended the LVBC collaboration as essential for meeting these goals.
Broader Partnerships
LVBC intends to strengthen partnerships across East Africa to replicate and expand these sanitation improvements.
“We will continue collaborating with organizations to scale sanitation initiatives, improving water quality and access to clean toilets across the region,” Mukubwa emphasized.
Conclusion
This initiative marks a significant step toward addressing sanitation challenges in Kisumu, contributing to public health and environmental conservation efforts. By improving hygiene practices and reducing pollution in Lake Victoria, the project supports sustainable development and the well-being of millions in the region.
