Narok county has become the first in the country to install Weholite pipes – large diameter, lightweight pipes made from high density polyethylene – to build its sewerage system.
Through a partnership with a new entrant in the Kenyan market- Megapipes Solutions, county officials believe the new installation will offer a long term solution to the sewage problems the county has faced over the years. Megapipes says Weholite pipes are great in low pressure or gravity applications for drinking water storage, storm water management and in sewerage systems.
“Weholite offers distinct chemical and physical advantages over other more traditional materials. Superior hydraulics and abrasion resistance mean that it will not corrode or deteriorate over time, making it a long-lasting solution for projects in Kenya,” says Jürg Flühmann, Managing Director at Megapipes Solutions.
The HDPE pipes are now commonly used in Europe and North America while in Africa, South Africa and Tanzania are now using the new technology for their sanitation, storm water management and installation of culverts.
According to Mr. Flühmann new production techniques have been combined with the latest raw materials technology to produce a durable pipe system with superior load-bearing properties. This makes Weholite the preferred solution for many municipal and industrial applications in both the public and private sector – including stormwater management, sewage treatment systems, culverts, marine pipelines and irrigation water distribution.
Temporary solution
Narok, Water, Environment and Health minister John Kiyiapi says initially, as a temporary solution, the county had set aside a quarry near the town as a disposal area but was later shut down last year by the National Environment Management Authority (Nema) after the quarry got full and was spilling into the adjacent Enkare Narok River.
“Although we had good temporary spaces that the county government had designated, the population of Narok is rapidly growing creating pressure on the disposal areas. Similarly, it became increasingly expensive for residents to keep using exhausters,” Mr Kiyiapi said.
“It is because of these reasons that the county resolved to invest in a quality sewer system that would be installed in little time with few man-power, would require very little maintenance and would have a long lifespan decades to come,” he added.
The Narok Water and Sewerage Company, Managing Director Stanley Kuyioni says the sewer project would play a significant role in facilitating the development of the county, further noting the system are critical for the housing sector, health sector and urbanisation.
“Most of the diseases treated at our health centres and hospitals are wash related. Issues such as open defecation is a serious problem as there are no other available alternatives. The project has, therefore, come at a good time and will greatly help the county achieve a good quality of life for its residents,” he added.
Weholite pipes will be readily available in Kenya with the construction of a factory for manufacturing of the large diameter plastic pipes for drainage and sanitation Projects in Kenya and neighboring countries, already under way in Ruiru in Kiambu county.
