Residents of Kanaani and Utithini villages in Mbiuni area of Mwala sub-county in Machakos are set to benefit from five 10, 000-litre water tanks donated by the area County Assembly Member (MCA) Angela Munyasya.
Speaking Thursday, the Wiper nominated MCA said by installing water storage tanks, bore hole water which is located at the Kathama DEB Primary school would not end up sitting on the surface but will now be stored and used when needed.
Ms Munyasya said saving water is an art that all the residents have to fully embrace if they want to continue enjoying access to the scarce resource.
“Water is a tricky subject and you can understand that saving and storing water is a very important duty that we all need to do,” she said.
The tanks were donated by the MCA in partnership with a United States of America-based catholic Father, Thomas Kyalo.
Residents who talked to Kenya News Agency on the sidelines lauded area women leaders for their concerted efforts in fighting the perennial water shortage problem in the area.
According to Jane Ndinda, women leadership is key to growth and development and Kenya needs more women in leadership roles.
“Ukambani region and Kenya as a whole has qualified women who deserve legitimate slots in leadership. However, they need more support from their families, communities, civil society and the government,” she said.
Another resident Joseph Muema said implementing leadership programmes by stakeholders such as the government and civil society that develop, connect, mentor and educate potential women leaders may be key to helping more women to advance.
Last week, the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF) distributed over 500 water tanks to various women groups in Machakos in the second phase of the water tanks implementation.
Speaking during a ceremony held at the Saint James Primary School in Ekalakala Masinga where 69 tanks were distributed, Machakos Woman Representative Joyce Kamene reiterated that her office is committed to dealing with the perennial water problem in the arid county of Machakos in a most decisive and sustainable way.
The exercise that kicked off in Mavoko sub-county on July 3, 2020 and was rolled out in all the other sub-counties of Machakos town, Mwala, Kathiani, Kangundo, Tala and Yatta with the last stop to be conducted in Matungulu the following week.
Last month, over 70 women from various community based organisations in Mwala sub County benefitted from the NGAAF water tanks.
During the first phase that was launched at the Machakos Golf club in October last year, NGAAF distributed 741 water tanks to different community based organisations (CBO) in different regions within the county.
The 10 000, 5, 000 and 2 500 litres capacity water tanks were distributed at a subsidised cost of Sh 48,000, 20 000 and 12 000 respectively.
By Rachael Kilonzo
