Climate-Proofing Water Security for East Africa’s Primary Port City
Status: Concept/Early-Stage | Location: North Mainland / South Mainland (Likoni) | Sponsor: EDIC & Mombasa County (MOWASSCO)
THE OPPORTUNITY: A CHRONIC & CLIMATE-VULNERABLE WATER DEFICIT
Mombasa County faces a severe structural water deficit. As a net importer of water, the county relies heavily on bulk supplies from neighboring counties (Mzima Springs, Baricho, Tiwi Aquifer), which are prone to political disruption and drought. With the population projected to exceed 1.4 million by 2030 and industrial demand surging from the Port and SEZ, the current supply falls drastically short of the ~200,000 m³/day demand. Existing alternatives (like the Mwache Dam) are slow to implement and remain rainfall-dependent. This insecurity stifles industrial growth, limits tourism expansion, and forces residents to rely on expensive, unregulated water vendors.
THE SOLUTION: A 100,000 M³/DAY SWRO FACILITY (PPP)
The project proposes the development of a large-scale Seawater Reverse Osmosis (SWRO) Desalination Plant aimed at producing 100,000 m³/day of potable water. The project is structured as a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) under a Design, Build, Finance, Operate, and Maintain (DBFOM) model for a concession period of 25 years.
- Private Developer Role: Responsible for mobilizing capital, engineering, construction, and efficient operation of the plant to ensuring continuous output.
- County Role: Mombasa County (via MOWASSCO) will be the off-taker, entering into a long-term Bulk Water Purchase Agreement to distribute the water through the municipal network.
- Technology: Utilization of energy-efficient SWRO technology with brine management systems to minimize environmental impact.
DEVELOPMENT IMPACT
- Climate Resilience: Decouples the city’s water supply from rainfall patterns, providing a drought-proof source essential for climate adaptation.
- Universal Access: Bridges the supply gap to enable near-universal water coverage for Mombasa Island, West, North, and South Mainland populations.
- Economic Competitiveness: Guarantees reliable water for the manufacturing and tourism sectors, reducing operational risks and attracting new industrial FDI.
- Health & Sanitation: Reduces water-borne diseases by substituting unsafe shallow wells and water trucking with treated, potable municipal water.
THE ASK: CATALYTIC FUNDING FOR FEASIBILITY & STRUCTURING
We are seeking USD $200,000 – $300,000 in catalytic funding to move this project from a high-level strategic wish to a bankable investment opportunity. As highlighted in our initial assessment, the project currently lacks technical and commercial definition. Funding will cover:
- Technical Feasibility: Site selection (North vs. South Mainland) and geotechnical analysis.
- ESIA Scoping: Critical assessment of environmental risks, specifically regarding energy consumption and brine disposal strategies.
- Financial Structuring: Developing a robust financial model to determine a tariff structure that is affordable for MOWASSCO yet bankable for private investors.
- Legal Advisory: Drafting the preliminary Heads of Terms for the PPP and Water Purchase Agreement.
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