Kisumu: The East Africa Community (EAC) Finance and Administration Committee expressed satisfaction with the ongoing construction of the Lake Victoria Basin Commission (LVBC) headquarters building in Kisumu city. The building, described as ultra-modern, is nearing its final stages.
According to Kenya News Agency, EAC Deputy Secretary General in charge of infrastructure, productive, social, and political sectors, Andrea Aguer Ariik Malueth, led a delegation from partner states to inspect the project. Ariik commended the LVBC, led by Executive Secretary Dr. Masinde Bwire, for their dedication to the project, which is entirely funded by EAC partner states. Ariik emphasized that the project marks a significant milestone for both LVBC and the broader East African Community.
The current status of the building’s construction shows an overall progress of 70%. Specifically, the external works are 68% complete, electrical installations are at 62%, and mechanical installations are at 68%. The main office block Wing B
has reached 80% completion, Wing A is 70% finished, and the central core is 35% complete. The second phase of construction, which began on August 7, 2023, is projected to cost approximately USD 2,560,718.68. This phase follows the formal handover to a new contractor on July 25, 2023.
Once completed, the headquarters will move from its current location at the New Nyanza Regional Headquarters to a site on a 2.8-acre plot along Lake Victoria’s shores. The new facility will house various departments tasked with overseeing LVBC projects, under the supervision of Kenya’s Ministry of Lands, Public Works, Housing, and Urban Development.
The establishment of the new headquarters is expected to enhance regional integration by streamlining and coordinating LVBC’s activities across the Great Lakes region. In addition to inspecting the construction site, Honorable Ariik attended the opening session of a four-day extraordinary meeting of the Finance and Administration Committee in Kisumu. The meeting, which started on Tu
esday, aims to address finance and administration issues of EAC’s various organs and institutions. Delegates from EAC partner states were also present at the meeting.