LVWATSAN PROJECT LAUNCH | 12/5/2017

Lake Victoria Basin covers an area of 250,000 km2 with the lake taking 68,000 km2. The basin has a population of 35 – 40 million people, with rapidly growing secondary towns, which has resulted in: Unplanned, spontaneous and unsustainable growth Run-down and non-existent basic infrastructure and services Lake Victoria Basin covers an area of 250,000 km2 with the lake taking 68,000 km2. The basin has a population of 35 – 40 million people, with rapidly growing secondary towns, which has resulted in: Unplanned, sponteneous and unsustainable growth Run-down and non-existent basic infrastructure and services Significant negative impacts on environment, and importantly, the fragile ecosystem of the lake The lake is major-transboundary resource for EAC countries with a high potential to accelerate the growth of the towns around it if well managed and the potential sustainably harnessed In recognition of the challenges presented by rapid urbanization in the basin, the EAC formulated a framework to reverse the deteriorating conditions, through a ‘Protocol on Sustainable Development of the Lake Victoria Basin‘. By improving coverage as an indicator and increasing both water supply and sanitation coverage, the EAC would be achieving its objective in the water and sanitation sector as a key area of cooperation. The scope of works in Phase II LVWATSAN Project Formulation include: Detailed immediate-to-medium term designs for the 15 secondary towns, inclusive of topographic surveys Projections for long term interventions Capacity building plans National policies, goals and institutional structure review Validated Investment Plans Preliminary design of long term programs Estimated costs, financing and implementation schedule (Grant and loan financing to be separated in cost estimates assignment) Social and environmental management plans and implementation manuals M&E system to be designed for project progress and reporting system And the studies to be undertaken include: Development of alternative solutions and selection of the best intervention, based on multi-criteria analysis and preparation of statements of works and cost estimates Sanitation options considering ECOSAN Principles, wastewater collection, treatment and disposal Safe disposal of feacal matter and solid waste Storm water drainage Technical, financial and institutional capacity build-up Strategies aimed at influencing policy and physical planning Balance supply augmentation with demand management Environmental Impact Assessment Risk exposures and mitigation measures The principal beneficiaries of the project will include Un-served and under-served residents in the secondary urban centres, especially the poor, women and children Water user groups as a consequence of being supported to get organized as part of the initiative Local institutions and organizations responsible for service provision, which will benefit from enhanced capacity and more efficient operations Other beneficiaries will be NGOs, CBOs and the newly formed utilities under the sector reforms process Local agencies responsible for environmental monitoring Local government bodies in areas of development planning and regulatory functions Project Description Between 2004 and 2007, in consultation with national and local authorities and local stakeholders, an initial assessment was undertaken to identify WATSAN investments and related capacity building needs in 30 preselected secondary towns, through questionnaires, interviews and meetings. The assessment concluded that the towns needed urgent strategic WATSAN Initiatives

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