The national government has upgraded West Karachuonyo water project at Sh420 million to alleviate shortage in three wards.
The project at Kowiwa village in Kanam A location will serve West Karachuonyo, North Karachuonyo and Kibiri.
Over 40,000 residents will benefit.
The water project started in 1976 by the Italians has been serving about 5,000 people.
The Lake Victoria South Water Works Development Agency intervened and upgraded it to meet the demand of the growing population.
The expansion work involves the use of Lake Victoria as the main source of water and distributing it.
Seasonal rivers in the area have been used as water sources.
Karachuonyo MP Adipo Okuome, LVSWWDA chairman Dan Omino, Homa Bay Water and Environment executive Dickson Nyawinda and West Karachuonyo MCA John Njira launched the construction.
Omino said changing the source of water to Lake Victoria will enable a stable supply.
“The rivers are seasonal and prone to reducing water supply,” Omino said.
Speaking on Tuesday when they toured the project site, Omino said they are changing the source of energy for supplying the water from electricity to solar.
“We are targeting learning institutions in which water kiosks will be built outside the school to enable the community to get clean water,” Omino said.
MP Okuome was concerned over the perennial water shortage which had afflicted the residents.
He said the project will improve their lives and caution them against water-borne diseases.
He said using solar to pump water will prevent electricity costs.
Okuome said he was addressing an issue in which the project water pipes were destroyed by a contractor who was constructing a road in the area.
“I have taken the matter with the Kenya Rural Roads Authority to ensure the pipes are repaired,” he said.
Nyawinda warned residents against vandalising the project infrastructure.
He said some people were breaking the pipes to get water for their livestock.
Edited by Kiilu Damaris
