By Mahmood Mwanduka, DevReporter, Kilifi County.
In summary
- The residents want the county to complete delayed water projects.
- They want workable alternatives, as rain is no longer dependable.
- Water crisis has hit hard on those living in the rural areas.
The pain behind water shortage amidst economic challenges
Having adequate water supply for the people is a dream for every society and nations. However, majority of people living in the rural areas don’t have access to clean or adequate water.
Many urban residents rarely experience water shortages as frequently as their rural counterparts. On the other hand, more than 5,000 residents of Jimba sub-location for example, are often forced to walk for more than 10 kilometers daily, in the scorching sun especially during prolonged drought periods, in search for water.
During such times, women and girls are especially affected given their roles in performing domestic chores such as fetching water, cooking and washing clothes.
“We are really suffering. The taps from which we used to fetch water have since run dry. To get water, one must now spend a lot of money and those of us who come from poor families can’t afford the cost,” said Sera Albert.
Residents say that there have been some efforts towards addressing the matter including by increasing the tap water network. However, the efforts are yet to solve the problem since motor graders have destroyed the water pipes.
“Most of the pipes were destroyed by tractors and motor graders and today about 80% of the taps in the area do not function. We urge our ward representative to replace the piping in order to ease us out of the situation,” added Sera.
Initial County Plans
In the financial year 2018/2019, the county government of Kilifi had put aside ksh.1 billion for setting up projects to curb the water crisis. The same was done in the 2019/2020 financial year, where about ksh.2 billion was set aside for the same areas mostly hit by the crisis. These areas include parts of Rabai, Ganze and Kaloleni constituencies.
The water projects that have been initiated to-date include the Kombeni-Kawala and Kombeni-Mtandikeni. However, these projects are yet to benefit the people 3 years since their establishment.
Reasons Behind the water crisis and way forward
In recent times, Kilifi, other parts of Kenya and even beyond, have not received the usual amount of rain as previously, due to global warming that has caused a prolonged drought of more than 5 years, a period during which the cycle of seasonal rains have changed.
Kilifi residents can no longer depend on rain and tap water due to increasing population as well as prolonged drought, which have rendered the taps dry. Ward Representatives, in partnership with the governor and other well-wishers, are urged to put plans in place for the construction of boreholes and dams.
It is also important that systems are put in place for the proper management of projects funds. This is especially given that it is due to allegations of embezzlement funds that caused the Kilifi Mariakani Water and Sewerage Company (KIMAWASC O) to cut-off supply.
Agriculture and the Benefits of water availability
Apart from water crisis, majority of Kilifi residents are unable to get regular meals due to poverty. Agricultural experts say that the availability of fertile land in the area should in essence enable residents to indulge in agri-businesses, such as farming, especially if and when the dams and boreholes are constructed.
This will by extension, relieve the pain felt by residents, as they will have the opportunity to raise their economic levels and standards of living.
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