The ongoing rehabilitation of Kishenyi dam in Wundanyi, Taita Taveta county, is set to benefit more than 19,000 residents, Governor Andrew Mwadime has said.
The Sh62 million project, funded by Water Fund, European Union and the county government will also include the supply of water to Werugha, Kishushe and Sangenyi locations.
The rehabilitation will include desilting of the mega dam that has been a source of domestic and irrigation water for hundreds of residents.
The dam built in 1954 has been the main source of water for irrigation to hundreds of small-scale vegetable farmers in the area.
The dam occupying 30 acres dried up following the prolonged drought, exposing residents to hunger and poverty.
The governor on Sunday said the project is key in addressing the challenge of perennial water shortage in the targeted areas by providing affordable and reliable supply.
“This project will be a game changer to farmers who depend on vegetable farming as a source of livelihood. It will promote irrigation-fed agriculture to increase food production and create more job opportunities,” Mwadime said during a meeting in Taveta.
The project, he said, will also include construction of a full water treatment plant to ensure it is safe for domestic use.
Further, a new pipeline will extend to Mlilo in lower parts of Kishushe and be distributed in water kiosks.
Mwadime said the water project is part of the county's efforts to ensure residents have access to clean drinking water.
He said the devolved unit is committed to strengthening collaborations with development partners to improve availability, affordability and accessibility of safe and clean water.
"We are still banking on partners and investors to help us construct dams and water pans across the county to address the challenges we are currently facing," the county boss said.
The county is also keen on rehabilitating Kighombo dam and Mwatate earth dam to close the water deficit gap.
The current water supply in the county is 15,000 cubic metres against a demand of 26,000 cubic metres per day, according to the county’s water and sewerage company, Tavevo.
Last month, Water and Sanitation PS Paul Rono said the government has prioritised rehabilitation of Kighombo dam.
The dam can hold approximately 140 million litres.
