Migori County has set aside Sh2.713 million to rehabilitate the Nyandiwa Spring to cushion Nyatike residents from water scarcity caused by severe drought.
The Nyandiwa Spring which was built more than 25 years ago has been acting as the major water point source for most of Nyandiwa residents in North Kadem Ward-Nyatike.
Migori County Chief Officer in charge of Water and Energy Phidale Majiwa said that the allocated funds will help to rehabilitate the spring and the borehole to constantly ensure water flow for locals.
Majiwa affirmed that the contractor will be on-site by the end of the month to rehabilitate the spring for the sole purpose of providing clean and safe water to the locals.
The scarcity of water has forced the local residents to share the same water point with animals putting their lives in danger by exposing them to water pollution.
Majiwa added that already various interventions have been put in place to ensure that the water shortage problem is adequately addressed in Nyatike Sub County.
He noted that the county was already working with various NGOs in the county to ensure that the precious commodity is available in the area.
The county has already partnered with Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) to create water pans and dams across the sub county to ensure sufficient water supply for both human, animal and agricultural consumption.
The official added that together with the local partners, the county was already working on long term projects to address water scarcity in isolated parts of Nyatike Sub County.
“Nyatike Sub County is classified as a semi-arid area and with the additional resource allocation, the county will ensure water distribution and sanitation are improved,” Majiwa noted.
Nyadiwa residents have however, called upon the county water management to quickly rehabilitate the spring to end their suffering caused by water scarcity in the area.
One of the residents, Mr. Brian Omollo, said that the Spring was the only hope that was providing water to the locals. “Some of our neighbours as far as 15 kilometres come here to fetch water because their boreholes are dry,” noted Omollo.
Omollo said that the ravaging drought has pushed them to forfeit some of their social time and dedicate it to searching for water.
As the drought continues to sweep across the region, the Nyandiwa residents now want the County Government of Migori to find a lasting solution to the water shortage.
The local residents have been enjoying the Nyandiwa water pipe for close to a year when the running water was cut short by broken pipes. They have called upon the county to move with speed and restore the damaged pipes to restore back running water.
By Geoffrey Makokha
