By Joseph Abuje
The government of Kenya and neighbouring Uganda, have signed a bilateral agreement for the joint implementation of the Angololo Multipurpose Water Resources Development Project (AMWRDP). The project will cost USD137 million.
Minister for Water and Environment Beatrice Atim signed on behalf of the Government of Uganda while Minister for Water, Sanitation and Irrigation, Mr. Eric Mureithi signed on behalf of the government of Kenya.
The implementing agencies for the project include NELSAP-CU/Kigali Rwanda, Ministry of Water, Sanitation, and Irrigation (Kenya) and Ministry of Water and Environment (Uganda).
Addressing a joint press conference in Busia Kenya, Regional Coordinator NELSAP-CU/ Kigali Rwanda Dr Isaac Alukwe said the signing of the project bilateral agreement followed a day long workshop for delegates drawn from Kenya and Uganda on the progress made so far.
The Angololo resource development project is a transboundary investment by countries of Kenya and Uganda under the Nile Equatorial Lakes Subsidiary Action Program (NELSAP).
The project was identified in 2010. It aims to enhance food, water, and energy while boosting regional trade and cooperation.
NELSAP covers projects in 10 countries, including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda, DR Congo, South Sudan, Sudan, Ethiopia, and Egypt.
“As NELSAP, we are ready to the task. Our sleeves are already forward for the work. It’s only the countries that may delay the project’s implementation. We need necessary documentation that may make us move forward in terms of seeking for funding from development partners including WB, AfDB, Asian Arabic Bank among others, ” the former Busia Water and Environment CECM between 2018 and 2021 Dr Alukwe stated.
He said the water supply component will serve a population of 270,000 with each country to serve a population of 135,000.
“Other than jobs, CSR, value addition, we are contemplating having One Stop Border Post on the Dam. This will boost trade between the partner states,” he said.
In terms of the benefit of the project, Dr.Alukwe said they are addressing 3 or 4 millineum goals (SDGs), adding that they have 4000 hectares of irrigation, both Uganda and Kenya.
” The landscape on Kenyan side only allows us to irrigate over 1,800ha. On the Ugandan side, the landscape allows irrigation of slightly over 2000ha, which is like 53% for Uganda and 47% for Kenya.
” With irrigation, you know interms of climate change.This is a resilient strategy. It’s a food security strategy. So when there is drought, the reservoir has Water, and we can be able to irrigate,” he stated.
He added:” In the project document, we have value addition services. Farmers will form co-operatives, and they will be supported under the project for value addition for their products and countries will create what we call special purpose vehicle for managing the project, so the SPV will ensure the sustainability, which will generate
He said the Angololo community was involved in the crop suitable for growth in the area, rice is on top of the table, and horticultural crops for the quick money.
” The project is not just about infrastructure; it’s about people. It will empower communities, unlock economic potential, and build resilience in the face of climate and development challenges, Dr. Alukwe said.
Mr Mureithi said flooding has impacted negatively on the Sio-Malaba-Malakisi river basin management project, adding that 447 square kilometres of the catchment area will be restored.
” We should not waste water but instead utilize every bit of it to embrace aquaculture to boost food security. There is a need for political goodwill from the National and County Governments on catchment management.
Hon Atim said the project will benefit the residents of both Kenya and Uganda, adding that the project will cement the relationship between the two countries.
” Fisheries will be critical. We should also not underage the political will. We are in motion. Africa,we are blessed. My only caution is for all of us to protect river banks to sustain the project,” the Ugandan Minister said.
Busia Deputy Governor H.E Arthur Odera said the Angololo Water resource project was a major milestone since 2015 when he was the Teso North MP.
” We have lobbied for the project since that. We urge the Kenya and Ugandan governments to implement the project without haste so that communities in the two neighbouring countries get inherent benefits,” he said.
Teso North MP Hon Oku Kaunya said the Ksh18 billion project in the county will bring a big impact on the recipient of the project in terms of improved food security and power shortage.