The national government, through Coast Water Works Development Agency (CWWDA), has commissioned two borehole projects in Mwatate Sub-County, Taita Taveta County, in a move aimed at ending persistent water shortages that have crippled livelihoods and education in the area.
The Mwarondo Borehole in Sechu and the Mwazambo Borehole in Nyolo sub-location are expected to serve more than 15,000 residents who have relied on unsafe and distant water sources for decades.
Speaking during the commissioning on Wednesday, Mwatate Member of Parliament Peter Shake said the projects mark a major step towards ensuring access to clean and reliable water in rural areas.
The MP stated that, “Our vision is to see these projects reach every family. If well managed, they can also generate income that will support education and improve living standards.”
Shake, who thanked President William Ruto and the CWWDA for funding the projects, said the Mwarondo borehole will benefit about 10,000 people, while Mwazambo will serve roughly 5,000 residents.
He added that the projects will ease the burden on parents and children who previously walked for more than two hours daily in search of clean water.
“This initiative is timely, especially with the unpredictable rainfall patterns we are facing. Such projects will save communities that have been affected by prolonged dry spells,” he said.
Shake urged residents to safeguard the projects, saying they had cost significant public funds and must serve their purpose for generations. He further called on the residents to support government initiatives in the region stating that that is the surest way that they can realise development.
He also appealed for more partnerships between the national government and development agencies to reach other water-deprived villages in Taita Taveta.
Assistant County Commissioner Charles Wanyonyi, who represented the County Commissioner, commended the contractor and stakeholders for completing the projects successfully.
He said collaboration between national government officials and local leaders had been critical to achieving development in Mwatate.
“When leaders speak in one voice, development follows. I urge residents to respect their leaders and avoid early campaigns that disrupt progress,” said Wanyonyi.
He encouraged locals to take advantage of the government’s free window for acquiring national identity cards, noting that registration would allow them to exercise their voting rights and benefit from public programmes.
Wanyonyi also appealed for proper maintenance of the boreholes stating, “This project has been brought here for generations to come. Let’s take care of it so that we can continue getting clean water for our consumption.”
CWWDA Chairperson Dr. Daniel Mwaringa said the successful completion of the Mwarondo and Mwazambo boreholes was a result of strong cooperation between the agency, the national government, and local leadership.
He added that even though water is now closer to the people, the responsibility of piping and distributing water now lies with the county government.
“Our role is to develop and hand over the projects. It is now upon the county government to ensure the water reaches every household, said Dr. Mwaringa adding that residents should focus on what leaders are doing and not politicize development.”
On management of the boreholes, Dr. Mwaringa noted that it is upon the community to ensure the security and the continuity of the project in order to serve its purpose. He called for the establishment of a management committee to oversee the sustainability of the boreholes and ensure accountability.
Mwaringa also announced that several other projects under the agency are progressing in the region, including the Lumi Water Project, which has received approval and now awaits feasibility study and design work, and the Mzima II project, which is under review by a joint committee meeting fortnightly to fast-track implementation.
By Arnold Linga Masila
