Homa Bay rolls out decentralised waste treatment in push for cleaner, healthier towns

Homawasco director Tom Nyonje at the company’s treatment plant in Arunda,Homa Bay town./ROBERT OMOLLO

The Homa Bay Department of Water and Environment is embracing Decentralized Treatment Facilities (DTF) to improve waste management in the county.

The department is constructing the facilities in estates in major towns across the county to enhance waste management.

DTF is a local, small-scale system for treating human waste and wastewater from areas without large centralized sewer systems.

Managing Director of the Homa Bay Water and Sanitation Company (Homawasco), Tom Nyonje, said they are introducing DTF in the county to improve public health and sanitation.

DTF is one of the ways of treating human waste from homes and town markets before it is channeled to main sewer lines.

In Homa Bay town, the facilities are being constructed in Shauri Yako, Makongeni, Sofia Junction, Kodoyo, Kapita, and Kajela estates.

Nyonje said they will extend the project to Oyugis, Kendu Bay, Mbita, Ndhiwa, and Rangwe town centers.

“The department has embraced the use of DTF to reduce long, costly sludge transport and improve people’s hygiene. Sanitation services are made affordable and accessible through the method,” Nyonje said.

Homawasco director Tom Nyonje at the company’s treatment plant in Arunda,Homa Bay town./ROBERT OMOLLOSpeaking to journalists at their offices in Arunda, Homa Bay town, Nyonje said they have a plan to improve water infrastructure in the county for better accessibility.

The current infrastructure is dilapidated, leading to wastage of water, with 75 percent of the commodity going to waste.

According to Nyonje, the department has been forced to adopt the DTF method due to the topographic nature of the area.

He said the topography does not allow the free flow of waste, as waste and water pipes depend on gravity. House owners were advised to consider channeling waste into DTF systems to improve sanitation.

The county is grappling with a poor drainage system, with blocked pipes and channels caused by poor waste disposal.

“The population has increased and we need to adjust our waste management. We are working on infrastructure to serve Homa Bay residents effectively,” he said.

Residents have been encouraged to support the county government for effective service delivery.

Nyonje urged residents to report cases of vandalism that interfere with water supply in the county, noting that some people destroy and steal water pipes.

“The master plan we have will ensure a steady and adequate supply of water. Those who destroy water infrastructure should be reported for legal action,” he added.

The county government is collaborating with State agencies such as the Lake Basin Development Authority (LBDA) and the Lake Victoria South Water Works Development Agency (LVSWWDA) to address water shortages in Homa Bay County.

Rehabilitation of the West Karachuonyo Water Project will ensure areas like Oriwo, Kendu Bay, Kandiege, and Riwa, among others, are served with water.

The State is also working on Oyugis, Kendu Bay, Ndhiwa, Mbita, Sindo, and Magunga water projects.

“The agencies are focusing on last-mile connectivity of water. We are hoping to address the water shortage in Homa Bay completely,” the official said.