Makueni County Governor Mutula Kilonzo (Jnr) has lauded the Thwake Multi-Purpose Contractor for their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives that saw communities in both Makueni and Kitui counties benefit.
The governor particularly said he was impressed by the contractor who has constructed classrooms, health facilities and drilled bore holes and provision of water tanks for local communities in both counties.
“What has impressed me and I must mention, is that the contractor, China Ghezoubha Group Company through the implementing organ has done water projects, schools and provided water tanks to harvest rain water to our communities in Kitui and Makueni counties,” said Mutula on Tuesday while on a familiarisation tour of the dam.
The projects are geared to improve the lives of the local community in Mbooni, Kitui Rural and Makueni Constituencies which border the dam at the confluence of Rivers Thwake and Athi.
In health, they have constructed a maternity wing at Mavindini Level 3 hospital and also renovated a multi-purpose hall in Makueni Constituency and they have renovated a maternity wing at Kathulumbi Health centre in (Mbooni).
Also in Kitui Rural constituency, they have constructed an administration block and septic tank at Kanyangi Level 4 hospital.
In the education sector, the contractor has renovated 41 classrooms in 12 schools and constructed 6 classrooms in three schools in both counties. Some of the schools that have benefitted include Kilisa, Kitui Rural, Mumbeeni, Syandoo primary schools.
Also one bore hole has been drilled and equipped and another five drilling is ongoing. Once complete, the community will benefit greatly as the problem of water will be alleviated completely.
“We have seen a lot of work being done here and I urge the residents to exercise patience as we consult with the national government and other partners to ensure completion of the project,” added the governor.
However, Mutula urged the contractor to improve the feeder roads leading to the dam to make roads motorable as they were in a dilapidated state at the moment due to heavy use by Lorries transporting material to Thwake dam.
Speaking at the same function, Makueni County Commissioner (CC) Beverly Opwora said the two levels of government will work closely in ensuring residents benefit from corporate social responsibility besides addressing environment issues on blasts.
“We have agreed on having a close liaison among national and county government and project implementation team including the contractor to coordinate the CSR activities and address environmental concerns,” she said.
While reiterating one government approach, Opwora said the administration is committed to supporting the project while adding the two families having succession issues, will be assisted by the government.
“This project is a game changer in Makueni, I want to assure the implementers of our full support,” Opwora said.
On his part, the Project Coordinator Eng. David Onyango said that the programme was at 74.11 per cent complete while adding that they were seeking for extension of the project from the Ministry of Water Irrigation and Sanitation.
By Patrick Nyakundi and Ronald Rono
