The Coast Development Authority (CDA) is intensifying efforts to make the coastal region water sufficient through the construction of strategic water facilities in the area.
Speaking during the handing over of the Sh10 million Kirutai Solar-powered borehole, CDA Acting Managing Director (MD) Dr Mwanasiti Bendera said the project is one of the initiatives under the Sh342 million Drought Mitigation Project being implemented by the Authority to improve access to clean water.
CDA has implemented nine water projects in the region, with Taita Taveta County accounting for four.
Two boreholes are in Taveta Sub-County, and rehabilitation of Mwalashi dam is also ongoing in Wundanyi Sub-County.
The Authority will launch the construction of two dams in Tana River County. The MD thanked the government and elected MPs for lobbying for resources for the project.
CDA Chairman Mzee Mwinyi said a water kiosk will be constructed for household use and a water trough for livestock.
“These are parts of the efforts to assist our people in addressing water scarcity,” said the Chairman, thanking the area MP for supporting the Authority in resource mobilisation.
The Chairman noted that the expansive Coast region still faces a water shortage, as a huge percentage of it is Arid, calling for support from political leaders to solve the challenges.
Voi MP Abdi Chome lauded the project in the area that is largely arid, and residents have borne the brunt of water scarcity.
“The borehole is a long-lasting solution to the water problem. It is a new beginning as we wait for the water connection from Mzima Springs,” said the MP, adding that women would no longer trek for kilometres.
Chome said the solar-powered borehole will save on maintenance costs, urging the community to preserve the borehole.
“We should devise a plan to ensure the sustainability of the borehole,” said the MP, adding that he will lobby for more funds for the authority.
CDA had also launched the construction of three water pans, valued at Sh90 million, to address persistent water scarcity in Fafi Constituency, Garissa County.
The vagaries of climate change have affected both humans and livestock in equal measure, and the construction of the three water pans in Kaltum, Gure and Hiribei in the vast constituency is a timely intervention.
Kaltum and Gure water pans, each costing Sh20m, will be a big relief to the residents who usually trek for kilometres in pursuit of water. Kaltum and Gure have a capacity of 20,000 cubic meters, while Hiribae costing Sh50million has a capacity of 80,000 cubic meters.
By Bahati Hassan
