State to distribute water in Kilifi at cost of Sh350m, says CS
Charles Lwanga
Water Cabinet Secretary Sicily Kariuki has launched a Sh350 million water distribution programme to drought-stricken areas in Kilifi County.
She said the government had identified areas which require urgent intervention.
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Speaking during the launch of the water supply trucks at Langobaya in Malindi, Kilifi county, the CS said the national government was committed to helping residents with relief food, water and cash transfer.
“We have now started trucking to supply water to institutions in partnership with stakeholders who are working with the national government,” she said.
Kilifi is among the four counties that have been hard hit by drought. More than 148,000 people are directly affected in Ganze, Magarini, Kaloleni and Rabai sub-counties where most water pans and pasture have dried up leading to livestock deaths.
Last Friday, seven water boozers, including two donated by the Mombasa Cement company, were dispatched to the seven sub-counties of Malindi, Kilifi North, Kilifi South, Magarini, Ganze, Rabai and Kaloleni to supply water to residents.
The Kenya Red Cross says more than 6,000 cattle have died as a result of the drought and the number keeps rising.
Kilifi County Commissioner Kutswa Olaka said the national government together with stakeholders including the county government and other partners have started giving relief food to drought victims and assured residents that no one will die of hunger.
“The national government cares for its people and I am happy to announce that there is no one who has died as a result of hunger,” he said.
Kilifi County Executive Committee Member for Water Environment and Natural resources Mwachitu Kiringi said the county government started supplying water to residents two months ago and thanked the national government for supporting the efforts.
Kiringi said the county government was installing pumps to ensure water flows from Mariakani to Tsangatsini in Kaloleni sub-county and address the water problem in the area.
“We have completed installing pumps and plans are underway to begin pumping water in Kibao Kiche, Kitsaumbi, Gotani and Pangayambo,” he said.
