Machakos county government has embarked on strategies to combat the biting drought situation, Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi said.
Mwangangi was speaking at Kithimani on Wednesday.
He said the county is among those hard-hit by poor rainfall and inadequate water supplies, which have had a negative impact on the economic sector and residents.
“Drought is currently being witnessed in many parts of lower Eastern, including Machakos, a fact we can't ignore,” Mwangangi said.
“As a county, we will work with the government to fast-track the construction of the Yatta dam which will offer a permanent solution to water scarcity in Yatta and by extension Machakos."
Mwangangi said he had a consultative meeting with Yatta deputy county commissioner Lillian Njagi at her Kithimani offices to discuss how they can collaborate to resolve the matter.
He further noted that their discussions emphasised the role of Yatta dam which can increase water supply to enhance agricultural productivity in the subcounties of Yatta, Masinga and Mwala.
“Dams store excess water during rainy periods that may be used to irrigate the farms during the dry seasons," he said.
"The Yatta dam will boost agriculture by making it feasible to cultivate fruits and vegetables and rear livestock which is an important component of our diet."
The DG later toured the Yatta furrow and noted that the water levels of the Thika River have dropped significantly hence affecting the flow down the canal.
He appealed to the Yatta Water Services Board to ensure regulated irrigation along the canal to ensure that all farmers downstream access the little water available.
(Edited by Tabnacha O)
