In his multi-billion-shillings bag of goodies for the Siaya residents, Dr Ruto said that the government has factored into the budget the completion of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Stadium (Sh550M), the construction of a New Referral Hospital (Sh500M), and the rehabilitation of Usenge Pier Rehabilitation
UGUNJA, Siaya, August 31- President William Ruto has commissioned the Sh1 billion Ugunja-Sega-Ukwala Water Supply and Sanitation Project located in Areka village to serve about 20,000 households.
With an additional storage and completed in December 2024, it will not only supply over 10 million litres of water daily to the people of Ugunja, Ukwala, Sega, but also their environs -Rambula, Sigomere, and Madungu.
Speaking during his development visit to Siaya County, Dr Ruto termed it a game-changer for the local residents.
“My administration, in collaboration with the local governments, is committed to delivering safe, clean, and affordable drinking water to households across the country,” he said.
He added that this will tremendously transform livelihoods, improve sanitation, and enhance the quality of life for every Kenyan.
To enable a steady supply of purified water, the Ugunja Water plant has an intake system with an 8,400 cubic meter treatment capacity.
It’s curated with elevated steel storage tanks strategically placed at Nyambiro (300m³), Yenga (300m³), St. Sylvester Anyiko (500m³), Mandungu (1,000m³) and a concrete ground tank at Got Osimo (1,500m³), thus providing efficient water distribution.
The facility will also offer the much-needed skills and knowledge in water treatment and management to students drawn from learning institutions such as Maseno University, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology, Bondo, and Rarieda Technical Institutes and KIWASI.
Goody Bags
Dr Ruto’s other bags of goodies to the local residents include the intended completion of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Stadium (20,000 seater) at a tune of Sh550million, construction of a modern referral Hospital (Sh500 million) and Usenge Pier Rehabilitation.
“I have already spoke to the contractors and they will officially break the ground on 9th September,” he assured.
Relatedly, the president said that the government has earmarked Sh22 billion towards Affordable Housing Project with the ongoing construction of 11,000 units costing Sh17 billion.
To access quality health services, Dr Ruto urged Siaya residents to register for Social Health Authority (SHA) insurance in high numbers, while adding that the government has released Sh21 billion for provision of free treatment at health facilities (dispensaries and Level Four Hospitals) countrywide.
“At the moment only 400,000 (40%) people out of the targeted 990,000 Siaya residents have registered,” he informed.
Similarly, 14 Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP) markets has also been completed across the county at a cost of Sh1.5 billion to boost local economies, support micro small,medium enterprises(MSMEs), and enhance trading conditions.
ESP are modern marketplaces being built by the national and county governments which are curated with amenities such as cold storage, breastfeeding rooms, smart stalls, and facilities for people with disabilities.
Roads network
To boost socio-economic growth, an estimated Sh4 billion has been set to upgrade various roads with Sh2.5 billion already factored in the budget.
The vital roads across Siaya County which are set to benefit include Ng’iya-Kobare-Malele, Kodiaga-Rabango-Usenge, and Kabao-Bondo-Sing’ Oyie.
The rest are Lwala-KaElijah,Wang Arot-Asembo Bay,Kitambi, Kanga-Kabaku-Osir, and Sidindi-Sigomere-Masiro.
Earlier on, Dr Ruto attended an interdenominational church service at St Peter’s ACK Cathedral Church, and had a roadside address of the people of Magoya, Siaya County.
Siaya Governor James Orengo praised Dr Ruto for his people-centric development initiatives he is undertaking for the locals.
He informed the residents that they are working closely with the National Lands Commission and the local elders to amicably solve the impasse surrounding Yala swamp to spur sustainable growth and development in the area and beyond.
