Relief for Masalani residents as government commissions water project

Residents of Masalani have breathed a sigh of relief, following the commissioning of a major water project set to benefit 2,300 families.

The project was implemented by the National Drought Management Authority at a cost of Sh20.3 million from the National Drought Emergency Fund.

It includes the construction of a 4.4-kilometre pipeline, installation of a 120,000-litre elevated steel water tank and establishment of a water kiosk.

The town has endured decades of water shortage, forcing residents to either buy the precious commodity from water vendors or trek for 5 km to the river to fetch water.

But on Thursday, hundreds of residents witnessed the commissioning of the project.

"I feel like I'm daydreaming. It will for sure take me some time before the idea of having piped water sinks into my mind. I only happen to see it when I visit my children who reside in Garissa town,” Noor Mohamed, 75, said.

“For decades, we have been forced to rely on water tracks, which supply untreated water. But for lack of alternatives, we are forced to go for that. However, that is now history since we will enjoy clean water."

Resident Fatuma Mohamed, 50, said women can now concentrate on other businesses that generate income since they will no longer be required to trek long distances in search of water.

“As women, we have for decades been forced to wake up early in search of this precious commodity. This we do in the company of our young daughters, who should be in school studying. Definitely, this was affecting their education, but we had no option. But this is now a new dawn for us,”  she said.

Asals and Regional Development PS Kello Harsama said the project is a key intervention that will significantly improve access to clean water and strengthen drought resilience for local residents.

He said the initiative will benefit residents in Sarman, Qalanqal and Bulla Saudi villages as well as 600 learners in nearby schools and madrassas, easing the burden on women and children, improving healthcare, supporting school attendance and strengthening local institutions.

The PS said the government is committed to strengthening resilience in arid and semi-arid areas, which have endured harsh effects of recurring droughts, affecting not just the people and livestock but also education, health and livelihoods.

“Water has been a challenge in the Arid and Semi-Arid areas, but with this new project here in Masalani today, more than 12,000 people will be benefiting from access to clean water,” Kello said.

“This water will not only help in the villages for domestic use but will also reach our students in schools, allow communities to start kitchen gardens and grow food and trees."

NDMA CEO Hared Adan said the project is part of the larger strategy to reduce vulnerability, build resilience and move from response to readiness.

He urged residents to take full responsibility and protect the investment from damage and burglars.

Garissa Deputy Governor Abdi Dagane said that the county government has made allocations in the next financial year’s budget to extend the project to the other parts of the Ijara subcounty.

“I'm particularly filled with joy and pride to witness the commissioning of this project. As we all know, water is life, and without it then life becomes extremely difficult. Our people here endured untold suffering. But that has finally come to an end,” he said.