Celebration as Lamu gets water desalination plant
Lamu Governor Fahim Twaha with residents. He says the desalination plant at Siyu village will end the decade-long water shortage. PHOTO | CHARLES LWANGA | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- Plant built through a partnership of Lamu devolved unit and the Energy ministry.
- More than 10,000 residents expected to benefit.
- Villagers have been travelling long distances in search of water.
More than 10,000 residents of Lamu East Sub-County now have access to clean water following with construction of a Sh20 million solar desalination plant at Siyu Village.
The plant built by ENI Kenya B.V was established through partnership with the county government and the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum. It is expected to help end a decade-long shortage of water in Siyu and Pate Island.
Although surrounded by the Indian Ocean, Siyu and Pate island dwellers have been struggling to find drinking water.
HOUSES
The plant will turn water from the Indian Ocean fresh.
Addressing residents during the launch of the plant, Governor Fahim Twaha promised to have the area fenced. He said staff houses would also be built at the site.
Mr Twaha also promised to build water kiosks.
“We thank ENI Kenya for ensuring the desalination plant is built in Siyu. It will cater for the needs of the thousands of locals who have been suffering,” Mr Twaha said.
HAPPY
Villagers could not hide their joy during the launch of the plant.
Mr Mohamed Bakari said residents used to travel long distances to get water.
“Our women are happy because they will not travel far to get water,” he said.
