Kitui Deputy Governor Praises World Bank’s Informal Settlements Improvement Project
Kitui Deputy Governor Dr Wathe Nzau has praised the World Bank’s sh642.5 million Kenya Informal Settlements Improvement Project (KISIP) in the county saying it has given Kitui town a new look, increased security and sanitation.
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| Kitui Deputy Governor Dr W Nzau with KISIP coordinator Ms Peris Mangira during and inspection tour of projects in Kitui town in February 2018 |
Speaking when he received a World Bank delegation that paid him a courtesy call in his office, Dr Wathe said the multi-million project has improved security in Mosquito, Mjini and Kunda Kindu suburbs through installation of street lighting and six high mast floodlights.
He said the project has also improved road access, healthcare and sanitation by construction of tarmac and gravel roads, laying down a new sewerage system and connecting water pipelines to the areas inhabited by 13,000 people.
He asked the World Bank to consider extending similar projects to Kalundu, Manyenyoni/Majengo and Site areas to ensure residents obtain good road access, ample security, modern sewerage and clean water services.
He said the World Bank projects were a big boost to Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu’s five-pillar Manifesto that focuses on water and food security, quality healthcare and education and youth empowerment. Other pillars include Women empowerment and wealth creation.
The delegation led by KISIP National Coordinator Peris Mang’ira toured the projects in Kunda Kindu, Mjini and Mosquito estates.
Speaking after the tour of the projects, World Bank Urban Specialist Abebaw Alemayehu urged the contractors to hasten their work noting that the bulk of undone work was huge.
He said beneficiaries were concerned about the pace of construction in the face of interruption by the March-April rains and challenged the contractors to develop effective strategies to deal with all the emerging issues for speedy completion of the project within the scheduled time.
He also challenged the Kitui Water and Sewerage Company to provide incentives to residents in order to encourage them to take up water, drainage and sewerage services in large numbers.
The project entails road construction at sh485.6 million, sh45.4 million street lighting and drainage system for sh101.4 million.
