Written by Protus Simiyu 2012-05-30 18:10:00 Read 925 Times

Evans Asena Project Manager Western Kenya and World Bank Officer Nathan Bateti addressing members of Kuywa Water Resources. 

The World Bank in conjunction with the ministry of special programs is set to re-launch funding of the Community Driven Development projects (CDD) and flood mitigation projects in Western Kenya after the funding was suspended.

Addressing members of the Kuywa Water Resources Users Association (WRUA) at Kuywa market in Bungoma Central district, Mr. Nathan Bateti from The World Bank said the bank spends over Sh. 80 Billion annualy to fund various projects in the country.

He said even though the CCD and flood mitigation project was suspended, the Bank is now committed to resume funding having being convinced by the impressive projects that were formerly funded.

Mr. Bateti said the Bank has great vision and anticipation for the project basing on the good results realized after conducting various visits to former projects.

He said the communities have been engaged in the projects geared towards empowering themselves economically and for environmental conservation.

 The officer asserted that there is more to be done saying other development partners are willing to come on board and give their funding.

Further, he disclosed that the World Bank will also continue working with Water Resources Management Authority (WARMA) to fund projects regarding to conservation of river banks, water catchment areas and general environmental conservation.

“Apart from encouraging planting of water friendly trees in the catchment areas and along the river banks, we also want to fund income generating programs for communities,’’ he said.

Mr. Bateti said this could be achieved through writing of project proposals to the World Bank requesting for funding of particular projects.

On his part the chairman of Kuywa WARUA Donald Wafula, said the association which comprises of 900 members with over 8,000 people in the catchment area requires over 1 Million trees to conserve the water catchment areas.

Mr. Wafula disclosed that they are engaged in sensitization of people on the need of water governance, management and protection of river banks while pointing out that the aspect of finance is a major pitfall in their programs.

“We have managed to plant over 10,000 water friendly trees in some of the catchment areas this year alone and we are looking forward to plant more,’’ Wafula said.

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