Marwasco’s CEO and Managing Director, Sora Katelo, was the esteemed Chief Guest at the successful launch of the first-ever desalination water project in Bubisa, Marsabit County, accompanied by North Horr Member of Parliament, Wario Adhe, MCA Turbi/Bubis ward Huqa Galgallo, CEO Pacida Patrick Katello, and implementing partners.
“CEO & MD MARWASCO Hon. Stephen Sora Katelo, Guest Speaker during the launch and handover of Rural Water Supply Project from Caritas Germany to Cargo Human Care and Bubisa Bisan Dama water foundation.” Photo: Jillo Dida Jillo
This project was implemented between 2021 and 2023 by a collaborative effort between Marwasco, Cargo Human Cares, Caritas Germany, Pacida Kenya, Boreal Light GmbH, and WaterKiosk Africa, with the aim of improving the quality and sustainability of safe drinking water services for the local communities.
With a total valuation of Kshs. 64M, the project was jointly financed by Caritas Germany and Cargo Human Care CHC, with inputs from the County Government of Marsabit, and implemented by PACIDA. The Bubisa Water Kiosk Solar Desalination Project is the largest project of its kind on the continent, making it a remarkable achievement.
“From Right CEO PASIDA Patrick Katello, Center CEO & MD MARWASCO Hon. Stephen Sora Katelo, and from left President of Cardo Human Care Cpt. Fokko Doyan inspecting Rural Water Supply Project in Bubisa.” Photo: Jillo Dida Jillo
Bubisa is an extremely remote and arid part of Kenya, located 46 kilometers from the nearest town of Marsabit. The area has faced significant challenges in accessing safe drinking water due to the harsh climate, resulting in food insecurity and health hazards for the local communities. The water in the region has been contaminated with excessive minerals beyond the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO), leading to rampant cases of Esophageal Cancers.
However, with the implementation of the desalination project, the health benefits for the local communities have been significant. The incidence of new cases of cancers has drastically reduced, with over 90% of the target population now having access to good hygiene and safe drinking water.
“Solar panel at Rural Water Supply Project in Bubisa, Marsabit Kenya.” Photo: Jillo Dida Jillo
The desalination system in Bubisa has the capacity to deliver over 11,000 liters of clean drinking water per hour, which can supply water to over 30,000 community members within a 5km radius through 24 fully automated water ATMs. The project also embraces the principles of a circular economy, with two hectares of saline water farming integrated into the system, utilizing the desalination plant’s wastewater. Furthermore, the system is powered by 100% solar energy and is off-grid, providing clean water, hunger relief, and job opportunities for the locals.
“Desalination Unit at Rural water supply project in Bubisa, Marsabit Kenya.” Photo: Jillo Dida Jillo
The project activities included drilling and construction of a borehole with a capacity of 15m3/hr, equipping the borehole with an 18.5kW submersible pump-set, installation of a 58kW solar power system, installation of three (3) 10m3 plastic raw water storage tanks, installation of two (2) containers for store and office, installation of a desalination plant with a capacity of 11m3/hr, construction of a 250m perimeter fence, construction of a 210m pipeline system, installation of a 50m3 steel tank on a 12m high steel tower structure, construction of a masonry water kiosk and installation of water ATM, installation of a pre-paid water bowser system, and system operationalization and capacity building of management committees and operators.
“From Right, Rt.Cpt Fokko Doyen President Cargo Human Care, Second Right CEO Pacida Patrick Katelo, From Left Rep Caritas Germany Surgeon Preishe and Second Left Chairperson Bisan Dama Committee Mrs ” Photo: Jillo Dida Jillo
The positive impact of this project on the local communities in Bubisa is access to clean and safe drinking water has been improved, and the incidence of water-related health hazards has decreased significantly. This project is a testament to the commitment of Marwasco, along with our esteemed partners, to addressing the critical issue of water scarcity and contamination in remote areas and promoting sustainable solutions that benefit local residents.
Story By
Jillo Dida Jillo
Director Public Relations, MARWASCO.
