The government has officially launched two borehole projects in Mwatate Sub-County, Taita Taveta County, in an effort to end decades of severe water scarcity that has disrupted livelihoods and schooling in the region.
Implemented by the Coast Water Works Development Agency (CWWDA), the Mwarondo Borehole in Sechu and the Mwazambo Borehole in Nyolo sub-location will collectively benefit more than 15,000 residents who have long depended on distant and unsafe water sources for survival.
Speaking during the commissioning on Wednesday, Mwatate MP Peter Shake described the initiative as a milestone towards achieving universal access to clean water in rural areas.
“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,” said Shake.
The MP lauded President William Ruto and CWWDA for prioritizing the projects, noting that Mwarondo will supply water to around 10,000 people while Mwazambo will serve about 5,000 residents.
He observed that the projects will significantly reduce the time and effort that families, especially children previously spent walking long distances to fetch 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 the community to safeguard the boreholes, emphasizing that substantial public resources had been invested and the facilities must serve future generations.
He also called for more collaboration between the national government and development partners to reach other underserved villages in the county.
Representing the County Commissioner, Assistant County Commissioner Charles Wanyonyi commended the coordination between government officials, contractors, and local leaders, which he said was instrumental in the project’s success.
“When leaders speak in one voice, development follows. I urge residents to respect their leaders and avoid early campaigns that disrupt progress,” said Wanyonyi.
“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,” he added.
CWWDA Chairperson Dr. Daniel Mwaringa attributed the success of the Mwarondo and Mwazambo projects to strong cooperation between the agency, national authorities, and community leadership.
He noted that while the agency develops and commissions projects, it is the county government’s responsibility to extend distribution networks to reach more households.
“Our role is to develop and hand over the projects,” said Dr Mwaringa, adding that residents should focus on what leaders are doing and not politicize development.
Dr Mwaringa also urged locals to establish a management committee to oversee the boreholes’ maintenance, ensure accountability, and protect the infrastructure from misuse.
He revealed that several other water initiatives are progressing in the region, including the Lumi Water Project, which has received approval and is awaiting feasibility and design work, and the Mzima II Project, currently under review by a joint technical committee.
He further stated that the Mwache Dam in Kwale, now 54 percent complete, will greatly enhance water supply across the Coast once operational, with plans to ensure Mzima serves Taita Taveta County fully.
“Once Mwache Dam is operational, we will find ways for Mzima to provide enough water for Taita Taveta and its surrounding areas, reducing the challenges we are experiencing,” he said.
CWWDA Director Judith Wabosha hailed the collaboration between the agency, area leadership, and government departments, saying it ensured seamless implementation.
She called on the county government to submit new proposals for potential funding.
“We are ready to partner with proactive counties that plan and present viable proposals,” she said.
At the county level, Mwatate MCA Mabishi Kirubai appreciated residents who offered land for drilling, describing their gesture as a testament to community spirit.
He encouraged local youths to acquire technical skills in plumbing and water management to sustain such projects.
“When our youth acquire technical skills, they can handle repairs and make a living from such opportunities,” he said.
Community members expressed gratitude for the new boreholes, saying the clean water supply would greatly improve their daily lives.
“This is a new dawn for us. We used to walk for hours to fetch water, and our children would miss school. Now we can focus on improving our lives,” said Sechu village elder Gladys Wawuda, who thanked the CWWDA and government for bringing the project to fruition.
Local youths who worked on the project said they gained both skills and income from the engagement and appealed for more involvement in future government programmes.
Wanyonyi reminded the residents to take shared responsibility in maintaining public facilities stating, “The government has done its part by providing clean water. Now it is the community’s duty to protect and sustain these facilities.”
