At least 2,300 households in Masalani Town have every reason to smile after the government commissioned the over Sh20 million Masalani water project, aimed at ending acute scarcity of the precious commodity in the area.
Despite its proximity to River Tana, which is approximately 4.5 kilometres, Masalani town has experienced perennial water shortages especially due to lack of water intake pumping machines and treatment plants, thus forcing residents to rely on water trucks and use of untreated water.
The project, implemented by the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA) at a cost of Sh20.3 million from the National Drought Emergency Fund NDEF includes the construction of a 4.4-kilometre pipeline, installation of a 120,000-litre elevated steel water tank, and the establishment of a water kiosk.
This initiative will benefit residents in Sarman, Qalanqal, and Bulla Saudi villages, as well as 600 learners in nearby schools and madrassas, hence easing the burden on women and children, improve household health and support better school attendance, while at the same time strengthening local institutions.
Speaking during commissioning of the project, Arid and Semi-Arid Lands and Regional development PS Harsama Kello said the initiative is a key intervention that will significantly improve access to clean water and strengthen drought resilience for the local residents.
Harsama said the government is committed to strengthening resilience in arid and semi-arid areas, which have endured harsh effects of recurring droughts, affecting not just the people and livestock, but also education, health and livelihood activities.
“Water has been a challenge in the Arid and Semi-Arid areas, but with this new project here in Masalani today, more than 12,000 people will be benefiting from access to clean water,” he said.
“This water will not only help in the villages for domestic use, but will also reach our students in schools, allow communities to start kitchen gardens and grow food and trees. Our livestock will also have a water point,” he added.
The NDMA CEO Col. (Rtd.) Hared Adan on his part said that the project is a part of the larger strategy to reduce vulnerability, build resilience and move from response to readiness.
He called on the beneficiary residents to take full responsibility and protect the project from damages and burgling.
Garissa deputy governor Abdi Dagane said that the county government has made allocations in the next financial year’s budget to extend the project to the other parts of the Ijara sub county.
By Erick Kyalo
