Makueni residents are set to benefit from a Sh264 million constructed sand dams and cold rooms’ project funded by the World Bank in partnership with the Makueni County Government through the Kenya Devolution Support Programme.
Makueni County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Water and Sanitation Rosemary Maundu noted that eight dams each with a capacity of 255 cubic metre (255,000 litres) have so far been completed.
Maundu said the dams are estimated to serve more than 19,200 people across the county with clean water for domestic use as well as for farming.
“My department has completed the construction of the sand dams within the time limits and they are ready for use,” he said.
Speaking to KNA at her office, Maundu disclosed that Mikuyu I and II and Muangini dams will serve the residents of Kilome Sub County, Kwa Kisela and Kwa Kamusa dams to benefit Kaiti Sub County and Isuuni drift Water Project, Ngwani 1 and Upper Ngwani dams will serve Mbooni residents.
“We have equipped each dam project with solar energy to pump water to storage tanks from which water will flow to farms by gravity, and water kiosks to serve the residents,” added Maundu.
The CECM further added that each dam is having demonstration farm plots where residents will get knowledge and skill in modern commercial farming systems through agricultural extension officers.
“The project will have an impact on the local economy through improved irrigation agriculture with produce being sold at local, regional and international markets,” emphasized Maundu.
At the same time, Makueni County public participation and civic education director Zipporah Wambua said three cold rooms are set to be constructed in Kalawani, Kavotho and Kalongo to alleviate post-harvest produce loss of agricultural products.
The cold rooms will be completed before the end of the year.
“The projects are aimed at realization of food security, increase in agricultural productivity, value addition and commercialisation and access to water,” said Wambua.
She urged the residents to utilize the county government Tetheka loan funds to pipe water from the dams to their farms and also support their agricultural activities, like farm mechanisation and livestock keeping.
By Kevin Maina and Lawrence Mwendwa
