The 19th stakeholder’s site meeting for the Busia Water and Sanitation Project was held recently, marking a significant milestone in the journey toward providing clean water and improved sanitation to the people of Busia.
Key stakeholders, including the Area Manager-Tororo, AE and BM Busia, MWE officials, the consultant (Studi & Joadah), AWE, contractor (Zhonghao Overseas), RDC, Town Clerk Busia Municipality, Sub County Chairpersons, and other esteemed guests, embarked on a comprehensive site visit to assess the project’s various locations. Subsequently, an insightful meeting took place at the consultant’s office in Busia town.
The contractor’s report showcased commendable progress in several project areas. The raw water intake works and pump house are at an impressive 90% completion, followed closely by the aerators and flocculator at 95%. The clarifier stands at 85%, while the clear water tank structure has reached 80% completion. Other notable achievements include the completion of 95% of the staff houses, office and workshop structure, sludge drying beds, and sludge buffer.
However, some aspects of the project require additional attention. The chemical house is currently at 85%, and the transmission line stands at 70% completion. The reservoirs, an integral part of the project, are halfway through at 50%. The contractor has also made significant strides in the construction of water-borne and VIP toilets, which are now 80% complete. Notably, the fecal sludge treatment plant site has been cleared, and earthworks are currently underway. Despite these notable accomplishments, the cumulative work progress currently stands at 71.29%.
During the meeting, the project coordinator stressed the importance of meeting the revised deadline. With the six-month extension granted, it is imperative for the contractor to expedite the remaining work and ensure completion by December 2nd, 2023. Failure to meet the deadline would hold the contractor accountable for any delays incurred.
Notably, the stakes are high, given the project’s extensive scope, which encompasses a water treatment plant with a production capacity of 9,100m3 per day, a fecal sludge treatment plant, and serving a population of 186,000 people until 2040 across eight sub-counties, three town councils, and one municipality.
The project also includes the construction of four reservoirs of varying capacities, a 26.3km DN 400 transmission line, and a 45km distribution network. Furthermore, it entails the installation of water-borne and VIP toilets at strategic locations, including Dabani, the taxi park, Busia, and the Arubaine market. In addition, the project aims to establish 500 promotional new connections and 20 Public Standpipe Systems (PSPs), catering to the needs of the community.
The Busia Water and Sanitation Project represents a significant endeavor in improving the lives of thousands of people by providing clean water and enhanced sanitation facilities. Despite the challenges faced, the stakeholders remain committed to delivering the project within the revised timeline. It is hoped that with concerted efforts, effective collaboration, and the determination of all involved, the project will reach its successful completion by December 2nd, 2023.
