It is a relief to residents in the drought-stricken areas in Bamba, Kilifi County after the government completed a clean water supply project that will serve over 11,000 residents.
Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Water and Irrigation Alice Wahome together with Kilifi County Governor Gideon Mungaro launched seven water stations at Mtangani, Midoina, and Gede villages marking the end of misery to residents who have been suffering for a long time due to lack of rains and clean water.
The water project which cost Sh.100 million was funded by the national government through the Water Fund and the European Union.
During her address to the residents at Mtangani village, CS Wahome said the water supply is one of the key promises given by the government and they are working to ensure every Kenyan can access clean water.
“This water has been supplied to all constructed water stations along the pipeline. There is no station left out, and if there is one, let your Member of Parliament (MP) tell the Governor and the water financing organization so that the water gets supplied there,” she said.
She added that the time for politics is over and it is time to fulfill the promises given to the people during campaigns including water supply.
Kilifi County Governor Gideon Mungaro promised that he will continue to cooperate with the national government and all stakeholders to ensure that the chronic problem of lack of water in sub-counties affected by drought is resolved.
In addition, Mungaro pointed out that the allocation of funds he will get from mining activities in the county will be directed to water projects.
The area MP Mr. Tungule Kazungu explained that the completion of the water project will be a great relief for the schools and hospitals in the area because the lack of water has greatly affected patients and students’ studies.
“This project has greatly helped us because there are schools that have been connected to the water like Mitangani Secondary School. The people you see here, many of them are parents who used to carry water for long distances to schools to keep their children in school,” he said.
However, the local leaders urged the government to pay more attention to the construction of dams in those areas to enable citizens get water for irrigation and for their livestock to end the hunger calamity.
“Regarding the Rare dam, CS is aware. We have talked a lot, and we have told the President. I’m hopeful because we were told that out of the 100 dams the president wants to construct, one will be Rare dam. We are just reminding you, don’t forget that we are waiting,” Mungaro said.
“We are still crying about harvesting rainwater. We are still asking you to help us in that regard. I know your Ministry and the organizations you have there can help us so that we can get bigger water pans and dams to do irrigation and end this hunger,” Tungule said.
By Jackson Msanzu
