More than 2, 300 families in Makamini, Samburu subcounty in Kwale will benefit from a Sh107.9 million Kizingo dam project.
The families have also been given food donations worth Sh6 million by Australian mining firm Base Titanium to help them survive the ongoing drought.
The dam which has the capacity to hold 532,740 cubic meters of water, will serve residents from over five villages of Mwangaza, Kizingo A, Kizingo B, Donje and Ryakalui.
It was officially launched on Wednesday by Governor Fatuma Achani and Base Titanium general manager Simon Wall who officiated the food distribution exercise.
The dam is expected to end the perennial water shortage in the area.
Samburu is one of the hardest-hit areas by the dry season. Over 200,000 persons are facing starvation in the county.
Speaking during the launch, Achani said the dam is part of the government's efforts to curb drought and improve food security.
"The purpose of this project is to provide residents with clean drinking water, irrigation and livestock," she said.
Achani said drought has wreaked havoc in some parts of the region and it is through sustainable water projects that will help reverse the trend.
She said the county is determined to address the drought situation and ensure residents have access to clean water and enough food on their tables.
Achani said her administration has heavily invested in water and agricultural projects to empower residents to produce adequate food and engage in agribusiness activities to improve lives and the economy.
She said the county is looking forward to constructing more dams to tackle the perennial water shortage in the region.
The governor said plans are ongoing to complete the phase three of the Kizingo dam project.
It includes fencing and piping to supply water to the neighbouring villages for more residents to benefit.
She urged the residents to jealously protect the water projects to serve them for long.
Many water projects were recently reported to have been destroyed by residents who engage in illegal scrap metals trade.
"Please make good use of this project, don't contaminate the dam or vandalise the equipment," she said.
Achani promised residents that in few days to come, the national government will start distributing relief food to the affected residents.
Last week, the governor declared drought an emergency situation in the county calling for donations from various donors.
Achani said her administration will not tire of seeking help for the benefit of Kwale resients.
Wall commended the county for being steadfast in fighting drought through water and agricultural projects.
He said it is a noble move to establish sustainable livelihood projects meant to improve the lives of the people.
He said the Kizingo dam will enable residents to participate in active farming and elevate their socioeconomic status.
"It is encouraging to see investment in water projects, when there is no water it is difficult to do agriculture which translates to food security," he said.
Wall said Base Titanium will always support the community to improve lives through beneficial development projects and community programmes.
He said the Australian firm will assist the county with the necessary supplies to ensure the drought-hard-hit residents don't starve to death.
"We have been invited to donate food, we hope it will contribute and fill the bellies of your children and we pray for the rain to come," he said.
The sand harvesting company distributed 1,650 bags.
Each package had 8kgs of maize flour, beans and rice and one litre of cooking oil.
The rations are expected to sustain residents for two weeks.
Base also distributed 50 bags of relief food to Mwembeni residents who were last week attacked and their houses torched by unknown men in Samburu.
