Residents of Rachuonyo West Sub-county in Homa Bay County have expressed joy and relief following major improvements to a government-backed water project that is expected to end years of water shortages in the area.
They say the project has restored hope to thousands of families who have struggled for decades to access clean and safe water.
Omondi Odhiambo, the scheme manager, said the project has recorded significant progress since the implementation of Phase One and now Phase Two.
According to him, the water scheme has undergone major upgrades, including improved systems, increased storage capacity, installation of a new pump, and the laying of a 10-inch transmission pipeline that will serve additional zones.
“We have upgraded our systems. We now have a 420-cubic-meter tank and a 10-inch line that will serve more areas,” said Odhiambo.
Rachuonyo Residents Praise Dr Raymond Omollo
Jackton Ugwenya, a resident of Rachuonyo West, said the project was initiated after Interior Principal Secretary Dr Raymond Omollo identified gaps in water distribution within the sub-county.
Also Read: PS Omollo Details His Plan to Address Goonism Ahead of 2027 Election
According to Ugwenya, several major areas had remained without reliable water services despite the importance of the resource to households and businesses.
He said residents are now optimistic that the ongoing works will ensure more homes receive water, bringing an end to a long-standing challenge that has affected generations.
The residents praised the government for investing in the expansion and upgrade of the water scheme, saying the development will transform lives and improve living standards across the sub-county.
They noted that reliable access to clean water will not only improve health but also reduce the burden that women and children have carried for many years.
A Long Struggle for Water
For many residents, the water project represents the end of years of hardship.
Anna Akoth Ogola recalled the difficult days when residents depended on untreated water from Nyangweso.
She said women were forced to wake up as early as 3 a.m. to walk long distances in search of water for their families.
The water they collected was not treated, exposing families to health risks and making daily life difficult.
Ogola said the situation often left families worried about the safety of the water they consumed and used for household chores.
She expressed happiness that future generations would not have to endure the same struggles.
“My grandson cannot experience what we experienced,” she said, adding that access to clean water would greatly improve the quality of life for children growing up in the area.
Residents believe improved water access will reduce water-borne diseases, save time spent searching for water and allow families to focus on education, business and other productive activities.
Infrastructure Upgrade Brings Hope
The ongoing improvements have significantly upgraded the water scheme’s capacity and reach.
Also Read: PS Raymond Omollo Leads Drive to Shield Widows from Disinheritance
Scheme Manager Omondi Odhiambo said Phase One and Phase Two of the project have brought major changes.
He noted that the system has been upgraded through the installation of new equipment, including a larger storage tank, a new pump and a 10-inch pipeline that will serve additional zones.
According to Odhiambo, the upgraded infrastructure will enable the scheme to deliver more water and improve service reliability for residents who have previously gone without adequate supply.
Community water stakeholder Moses Ongoro welcomed the developments, saying they demonstrate the benefits of leaders listening to the concerns of local people.
He said access to essential services such as water promotes development, strengthens community relations and helps solve problems that have persisted for many years.
Residents say they are ready to celebrate once water begins flowing to all targeted areas, promising to welcome the achievement with songs and celebrations.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
