H.E the French Ambassador to Kenya Mr. Remy Marechaux, Agence Francaise de Developpement (AFD) direcor Mr. Yves Boudot and I launched the first completed projects of the Kisumu Urban Project (KUP). The Kisumu Urban Project (KUP) is a four years pilot urban development project being implemented by the City of Kisumu, and financially supported by the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) The overall objective of the KUP is to improve the living conditions of Kisumu’s population by reinforcing the urban management capacities and accountability in the context of on-going decentralization. The KUP prioritizes investments presenting high social impacts and income-generating opportunities. It comprises of 5 components: Capacity building, financial management and spatial planning; Solid waste management; Comprehensive slum upgrading; Commercial equipment and markets; and Public facilities and infrastructure rehabilitation. Kisumu County faces high rates of poverty, inequality and social ills, which affect the growth and development of the County as a whole and restrict individuals’ access to social and economic opportunities. The Constitution mandates the County Government of Kisumu to ‘promote social and economic development’. My Government has therefore interpreted its mandate to mean that county government activity is not an end in itself but rather strategic enabler for social and economic development. My Government also takes cognisance of the fact that the current national MTDP (2013-2017) embraces implementation of the National Urban Development Policy (NUDP) signifying a commitment to its overall vision of having secure, well governed and managed, competitive and sustainable urban areas and cities, which are also supportive to, aligned and harmonized with their rural hinterlands. Allow me therefore to record my Government’s appreciation for the development assistance extended to the City of Kisumu from the French Government through the Agence Française de Development (AFD) in 2 projects; 1.Lake Victoria South Water Services Board (LVSWSB) AFD has financially supported Lake Victoria South Water Services Board (LVSWSB) in rehabilitation and expansion of water and sanitation infrastructure in Kisumu City in a three phase plan: Phase 1-Short Term Action Plan (STAP): The phase comprised rehabilitation of old Dunga water intake, main pipeline and storage facilities at Tom Mboya estate. This improved the water coverage from 18% to 40%. Phase II-Emergency Expansion of Dunga Treatment Works: This phase comprised expansion of Dunga Intake and Treatment System from 21milllion litres/day to 45million Litres/day. The completion of the Dunga works eliminated water shortage as Kisumu residents started to experience regular and adequate water supply system. Long Term Action Plan (LTAP) : In 2012, LVSWSB embarked on development of new gravity flow water supply system at Kajulu hills in order to provide additional 36Million Litres/ per day to the town. The Kajulu Water supply system was completed in June 2014 and sufficient water is now available for all residents of Kisumu City. LVSWSB in conjunction with county government of Kisumu and KIWASCO has implemented a water distribution pipeline system to cover the city and extend the water to Maseno, Kiboswa, Ahero and other satellite market centres. 2. Twenty three 21 meters high-mast floodlights across the city. Especially in informal settlements, markets, jua kali complex and other areas with high population density. When the 23 floodlights are all lit, in the days to come, our neighborhoods that have been havens for marauding criminals will be safer, urban life will be rejuvenated and our business men and women, especially in the informal sector will have the opportunity to extend their operations, even beyond sunset. Indeed, through this support from AFD, today we begin our grand match, confidently, towards our dream of a 24 hour economy in Kisumu County. My government is therefore determined to work hand in hand with the French government through AFD to ensure that the KUP meets its objectives and see to it that the lives of the people of Kisumu are improved.
Posted on: Tue, 18 Nov 2014 07:29:35 +0000
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