Trans Nzoia Starts Own Water Bottling Project, To Stop Buying Commodity During Events And Create Jobs

• The project dubbed Kitale Springs Mineral Water will package 8,000 bottles of water daily and create job opportunities for over 30 people in the first phase
• Borehole drilling works and equipment fixing have begun with the project situated on government land, expected to cost KSh 4 million in its first phase
• Trans Nzoia county is also in the process of establishing its own water and sewerage company at the back of alleged discrimination by Nzoia Water and Services Company (NZOWASCO)

Trans Nzoia county has commissioned a life-changing project to boost access to clean and safe water, cut county expenditure and create employment for the locals.

Trans Nzoia water bottling project

TUKO.co.ke established that the county began the construction of a water bottling plant in the outskirts of Kitale town.

County Secretary Truphosa Amere, told TUKO.co.ke that the project commissioned on Tuesday, August 8, comprises a borehole and water bottling plant.

"The drilling exercise at the water offices in the outskirts of Kitale town will take approximately three weeks to be complete. The solar-powered project will improve access to clean and safe water, reduce spread of waterborne diseases and create enterprise opportunities," Amere explained.

She said that the first phase of the project, dubbed Kitale Springs Mineral Water, will cost KSh 4 million, and the borehole is expected to produce at least 3000 litres of water per hour.

"The first phase which entails drilling and equipping will cost about KSh 4 million. The actual test pumping and quality testing will be done by the Water Resources Management Authority (WARMA) and Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS)," she added.

The county official further explained that the water from the borehole will be used during public functions, therefore, cutting costs incurred in purchasing the important commodity.

Water supply in Trans Nzoia county

She said that the borehole would be drilled at KCC Grounds, which is government-owned land.

"The estimated cost during the first phase of the financial year is KSh 4 million and the project will be fully owned by the county government. We expect to bottle at least 8,000 bottles of water per day for a start and create 30 jobs," Amere expounded.

Money from the project is also expected to be used in other county projects, thus a source of revenue.

The move aligns with Governor George Natembeya's priority of providing employment opportunities for the locals to end unemployment and foster economic growth.

"By engaging the youth in this venture, the project not only offers financial stability but also empowers them with valuable skills and experience," the county secretary said

The County Executive Committee (CEC) member in charge of Water, Environment and Natural resources, Patrick Gacheru, said the move was in line with the county's plan to establish its own water and sewerage company to be named Trans Nzoia Water and Sewerage Company (TRAWANSCO).

Water companies in Trans Nzoia, Bungoma

Trans Nzoia, according to Governor Natembeya, is determined to part ways with the Bungoma-based Nzoia Water Services Company (NZOWASCO).

The county chief said that the decision was informed by deliberate discrimination by the water service provider based in the neighbouring county.

"Our own water company will ensure the delivery of high-quality services, addressing a longstanding concern where NZOWASCO's favouritism towards Bungoma has prevailed, despite our greater resource contribution," he said.

Natembeya's administration which will soon clock a year in office, initiated massive projects, including a stadium, completing a referral hospital and supporting a local cash-strapped female football club.