Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani has commissioned two dam projects in Lunga Lunga sub county to serve as water reservoirs for the area.
The governor said the Naserian and Kasemeni water dams in Mwereni ward with micro-irrigation components will be a game changer in food security as they will be supplying over 2,000 households with reliable water for domestic and irrigation purposes.
She said water projects were funded and implemented by Kwale County Government in partnership with Saidia Kwale Foundation.
Achani was accompanied to the function by Lunga Lunga MP Mangale Chiforomodo, County Executive Committee Members (CECMs) Hamed Mwabudzo (Water) and Saumu Beja (Environment) and Saidia Kwale Foundation founder Hendrik Stegenga.
Explaining the water infrastructure development progress, Achani said her administration has so far constructed over 60 dams across LungaLunga and Kinango sub counties, drilled 100 boreholes in Matuga and Msambweni sub counties with over 600 KM water pipeline extensions.
She highlighted the critical role of irrigation in food security, economic growth, job creation, and poverty reduction.
Achani noted the initiative marks a significant step toward addressing food shortages and water scarcity in the dry parts of Kwale, promising a brighter future for farmers and a more resilient agricultural sector.
The coastal county boss said these projects were designed to boost domestic water supply and irrigation to enhance food security.
She said the county is enhancing small-scale irrigation schemes in arid and semi-arid areas noting that the initiative is meant to boost agricultural production by providing water for all-year-round farming.
“Kwale will continue to partner with organizations and private institutions to initiate and develop community-based projects with positive impact to the people,” she said.
MP Chiforomodo said the water projects are enabling livelihoods, boosting food security, and addressing public health through improved access to water and sanitation.
The MP said he will work with the county government and other development partners in their efforts to construct additional dams across Lunga Lunga consistency in a bid to boost food security through irrigation.
Stegenga said his Foundation remains committed to working with local communities and partners to implement similar climate-resilient projects across the region.
“We are proud to be part of this initiative that not only provides water but also nurtures opportunity and hope through irrigated agriculture,” he added.
The Saidia Kwale Foundation boss said the organisation will continue to help residents in arid and semi-arid areas with water projects for domestic use and irrigation.
He described water as a basic human right and stressed that climate change challenges must be tackled with innovative and inclusive strategies.
Maina, a Naserian resident, commended the county’s efforts, noting that the new water dams will help reduce the long distances they previously walked in search of water and open new opportunities for agribusiness.
By Hussein Abdullahi
