AFD, EIB, the EU and Kenya join forces to improve access to water and sanitation in Kisumu

The signing of the agreements will pave the way for the implementation of the Lake Victoria Water and Sanitation Project (LVWATSAN), which is financed with a EUR 20 million concessional loan from AFD, a EUR 35 million concessional loan from the European Investment Bank (EIB) and a EUR 5 million grant from the European Union. The Government of Kenya will also provide counterpart financing to the project amounting to EUR 10 million.

The project will expand the water and sanitation distribution network in Kisumu, including to informal settlements, and expand water supply to the satellite towns of Ahero and Maseno. Additionally, there will be a component for water quality monitoring for Lake Victoria, aimed at protecting this shared regional water resource and also ensure that the water treatment process is more efficient. The project will be implemented by the Lake Victoria South Water Works Development Agency (LVSWWDA).

In Kenya’s third-largest city Kisumu, the close proximity of Lake Victoria does not automatically ensure access to clean water for the 800,000 residents. The Lake currently experiences significant levels of pollution owing to the inadequacy of sanitation infrastructure. Since 2005, AFD has financed the rehabilitation and expansion of water supply and sanitation infrastructure in the city, which greatly augmented Kisumu’s water production capacity and resulted in Kisumu being one of the few cities in the country that can provide those connected to the water network, with access to clean water 24 hours a day / 7 days a week.

Prior to AFD’s involvement in the sector in Kisumu, about 50% of the population had no access to running water, with most people purchasing water of poor quality and at a high cost from water vendors. At the time, only 8% of the residents benefited from a continuous water supply. The presence of an urban area on the shores of the Lake means that there is a higher risk of pollution and this will be addressed through the planned construction of a new wastewater treatment plant.

“Thousands of Kenyans living on the shores of Lake Victoria will benefit from transformed access to clean water and improved sanitation following the excellent cooperation between Kenya, AFD, the EIB, and the European Union. This impressive water project will contribute to improved health, reduced infant mortality, and address poverty in communities faced by a changing climate and strengthen efforts to fight COVID-19. As the EU Bank the EIB is pleased to provide EUR 35 million long-term financing for this project and to contribute environmental and social-technical expertise,” said Ambroise FAYOLLE, European Investment Bank Vice President.

The city’s water and sanitation network will now benefit from significant extension thanks to this new financing from the AFD, EIB, and EU, and thus help cover for the population’s needs until 2030.

Original source: EIB