Sh450-million water project to benefit Makueni 22,000 residents

By Patrick Nyakundi (KNA)

More than 22,000 residents of Kalawa Ward in Mbooni East Sub-County will benefit from improved access to clean and reliable water following the commissioning of the Sh450 million Athi-Kalawa Water Supply (AKWASH) Project by Makueni County Governor Mutula Kilonzo.

The project, which draws water from the Athi River for treatment and distribution, is expected to transform livelihoods in the area by providing a sustainable water supply to households, schools, health facilities and business centres.

Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Governor Mutula said the project will serve approximately 22,000 people, 12 trading centres, six health facilities and 18 schools through an extensive distribution network that includes 35 water kiosks.

“Residents will now access clean and reliable water. The project has reduced the average distance travelled in search of water from about five kilometres to less than one kilometre,” the governor said.

The project was implemented through a partnership between the County Government of Makueni, World Vision and the Coca-Cola Foundation. The Coca-Cola Foundation contributed Sh360 million through World Vision, while the county government invested Sh90 million towards the initiative that began in 2019.

Mutula lauded the partners for supporting the project, noting that access to safe water would significantly reduce diseases associated with contaminated water sources.

To safeguard the investment, the governor directed the county's energy directorate to budget for solarisation of the facility and installation of CCTV surveillance systems to curb vandalism that has affected several water projects in the county.

The governor also highlighted the county's efforts to improve sanitation and hygiene through community sensitisation and school-based programmes promoting handwashing and the elimination of open defecation.

“We are training students and communities on proper hygiene practices and encouraging villages to become open defecation-free zones,” he said.

World Vision East Africa Regional Director Lilian Dodzo said the project had achieved its objective of delivering clean and safe water to households in Kalawa Ward.

She noted that the water supply system would reduce cases of waterborne diseases and spare women and children the burden of trekking long distances to fetch water from the crocodile-infested River Athi.

“This project ensures communities have access to clean water while enabling children, especially girls, to remain in school and focus on their education,” Dodzo said.

She added that easier access to water would free women to engage in productive economic activities and improve household welfare.

Residents welcomed the project, describing it as a life-changing development. Martha Wambua, one of the beneficiaries, said families no longer have to risk encounters with crocodiles and hippopotamuses while fetching water from the river.

“We used to worry whenever our children, especially girls, went to fetch water from the river. Having water closer to our homes will improve their safety and allow them to concentrate on their studies,” she said.

As part of the support package, World Vision donated 10 tonnes of water treatment chemicals and two motorbikes to strengthen water services management.

The AKWASH project is expected to enhance access to safe water, improve public health outcomes and strengthen hygiene and sanitation standards across Kalawa Ward and the wider Mbooni East area.