Residents of Onkolde, Galili and Gaza villages in Garsen Constituency, Tana River County are set to benefit from uninterrupted supply of clean water following the launch of a Sh50 million water project which will serve at least 600 households.
The Minjila water pan project includes excavation of a 40,000 cubic-meter water pan, installation of a solar-powered pumping system, construction of a 50 cubic-meter elevated steel water storage tank and laying of water distribution pipelines to the villages.
According to the Coast Water Works Development Agency (CWWDA), the project aims to bring relief of water supply to the villages that have for long suffered from lack of access to clean water.
Speaking during the launch, CWWDA’s chairperson Dr. Daniel Katama said that the project was part of the government’s agenda to advance water access to citizens all over the country, and is expected to improve health of the local citizens who were at risk of outbreak of diseases due to lack of water.
According to Katama, the locals were initially living near river Tana but due to frequent floods in the area, they were brought to the highlands in the current villages where there was no access to basic services, hence the need for the project.
“During floods, a lot of families were displaced and brought into these areas where there is no water. They were used to having water from the river but since they came here, it has been a big challenge for them,” Katama said.
“This is part of the national government agenda to make sure that Kenyans have access to clean water supply. We plead with the local residents that when this project is completed, to own it and protect it so that it continues serving them,” he added.
By Erick Kyalo
