After many years of waiting for water, finally residents of Jembe na Upanga in Sokoke ward, Kilifi county can sigh with relief. – By Ramadhan Kambi.
The county government has now launched the Thange Thange-Dzikunze water pipeline and at the same time completed the Jembe na Upanga- Kwa Chifu waterline.
In an event witnessed by Sokoke ward MCA Thaura Mweni and the County Director of Water and Sanitation Eng George Maxwell Kingi, the locals said the both the launch and the completion is a milestone in addressing water challenges in the region.
“Water problem has been an issue here and because of its scarcity, we had to travel for long distances taking into consideration the importance of this commodity. But with these two water projects, things are now set for the better. Our lives will change,” Jumwa Kitsao, a resident told Uzalendo News.
Eng Kingi said the county is committed to addressing water issues in the entire county with various interventions currently going on.
“As a county we are happy today that we are doing an official site hand over to the contractors for the construction of Thange Thange-Dzikunze pipeline and completion of Jembe na Upanga-Kwa Chifu pipeline. The dreams of this county is to have Water issues addressed and as a department, we have done alot to address this,” he said.
Mr Thaura said the Thange thange- dzikunze pipeline will serve hundreds of households and thousands of residents from Dzikunze sub location and the neighbouring locations.
“It will also reduce the distance to water sources which will enable children to have adequate time to study instead of spending time to look for water,” he said.
According to Eng Kingi,the completion of Jembe na Upanga-Kwa Chief Pipeline will also ensure constant access to clean and safe water for thousands of residents from Kaembeni, Mwahera and parts of Mwangea sub locations.
“Both projects will improve the Sanitation and hygiene of residents; address perennial water shortage and minimize the risk of water borne diseases among the residents. I have fought hard for these waterlines and I am happy that finally, the water department addressed this issue,” said Mr Thaura.
During the launch of the Sh100 million Bamba- Shirango Waterline recently, County Chief Officer in charge of water Kenneth Kazungu said the county has set it’s eyes on making sure that water issues are addressed in time to make sure that the community does not suffer.
” We have embarked on many water projects in the entire County with a focus that by next year, Kilifi will be water sufficient. It’s good that the community itself has seen what we have done in different regions. More is still coming to satisfy the water needs of our people,”said Ken.
