Agnes Githinji of Peterson, NJ, along with her family members George Warao, Bridget Warao, Beatrice Wakonyo, and Antony Maina, visited the Diaspora University Town (DUT) to assess the progress of DUT. The visit provided the DUT Townhouse Developers with a firsthand look at the developments and the job creation approach adopted to ensure DUT's success.
During their visit, the developers were guided through the site and shown the various plots for the planned developments. They expressed their appreciation for the significant milestones achieved and commended the dedication of the team.
WATER SUPPLY
Margaret Wanjiku of the DUT Water Department explained how water will be supplied during and after construction. She said that Lucy Michael, who is starting the Ndara B-DUT Water MSME, is currently supplying water to DUT. Once construction begins, Lucy will progressively increase the supply of water. She will source water from the Voi River, boreholes, Mughe Dam, Mzima 1 and 2, Njoro Springs, and other sources.
Margaret added that the DUT water department will oversee the supply of water to the different plots and houses. Several tanks will be built in a 2 acre plot allocated for the water department.
The estimate is that once the town reaches 25,000 residents and the university reaches 5,000 students, approximately 4 million liters of clean and safe water will be supplied daily to the 3,778 properties.
SEWAGE & WASTEWATER TREATMENT
Alex Mwale, who is working on the wastewater management system, introduced the diverse plans he is developing. The plans include: portable toilets during construction, septic tanks, sewer lines, sewage treatment plant and others.
He explained that each plan will ensure a quality environment at all times. Once houses are completed, the department will initially use a septic tank system and then transition to the main sewer line.
The 4 million liters of wastewater generated daily from toilets, showers, sinks, kitchens, clothes washing, and other will be transported by the sewer lines to the waste treatment plant.
DUT CLOTHING MSME
Eva Iringo, who is working on the DUT Clothing MSMEs, introduced the business plan that is expected to create about 300 jobs by producing diverse clothing wear. The plan will reach a production of 1,000 clothing wear products a day and 250,000 a year by 2030.
She said the company will make clothing for: Diaspora University, Hospital, DUT MSMEs, Schools and will expand into a wide range of fashion products to cater to different markets.
She detailed the process of sourcing high-quality fabrics from both local and international suppliers to ensure durability and customer satisfaction. She also presented the plans of offering training for tailors and designers.
DUT’s PROGRESS
The visit concluded on a positive note, with the guests expressing their enthusiasm and confidence in the progress of DUT. They commended the efforts made to ensure sustainable development, from essential infrastructure like water supply and sewage systems to innovative business ventures such as DUT Clothing.
The plans and systems continue to move DUT forward. 20,000 people are expected to benefit with jobs and income that meet their food, housing, healthcare, and other needs.
