More than 10,000 residents in Matunda, Ntumburi and Subuiga communities are set to benefit from reliable access to water following the completion of the Subuiga Dam Community Water Project. The initiative was spearheaded by Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in partnership with Kisima Farm and the Ngarenythig Water Resources Users Association (WRUA).
The dam, which has a capacity of 150,000 cubic metres, was constructed between 2023 and 2025 to harvest rainwater that would otherwise go to waste. The project is expected to ease water scarcity in the area, boost household water access and support small-scale farming activities.
Kisima Farm supported the initiative by donating 12 acres of land on a 100-year lease to host the dam, demonstrating its long-term commitment to community development and sustainable resource management.
Phase one of water distribution has already been rolled out through a gravity-fed system. The infrastructure includes a two-kilometre pipeline, a 50-cubic-metre storage tank and five distribution lines supplying surrounding villages.
Plans are underway to install a solar-powered pumping system to ensure households located uphill from the dam also benefit from the project. The additional investment is aimed at promoting equitable water access and ensuring no section of the community is left out.
Ngarenythig WRUA Chairman Martin Dyer said the association played a key role in sensitising residents on water conservation, which informed the decision to pursue dam construction with funding support from Lewa Conservancy through its donors.
He noted that the WRUA is the first in Kenya to construct a dam of its kind and expressed optimism that the model can be replicated in other water-stressed regions across the country.
Lewa Wildlife Conservancy Chief Programs and Partnerships Officer John Kinoti emphasized the shared ownership of the project among the WRUA, Kisima Farm and Lewa, urging residents to safeguard the investment.
“We are urging communities to also embrace tree planting as part of environmental conservation so we can move together as a community,” said Kinoti.
Lewa’s Head of Community Development Programs, Lawrence Mutuma, said the conservancy’s mission extends beyond wildlife protection to improving livelihoods for communities living near conservation areas.
He noted that supporting water access projects enhances economic stability and strengthens community support for conservation efforts.
Meru County Government Chief Officer for Water, Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change, Mutuma Kang’ote, lauded the partnership and pledged county support to address water challenges in the region.
“We will support the initiative in whatever capacity required and work in unity with all stakeholders to ensure the water problem in the area is solved,” he said.
By Dickson Mwiti
