About 300 residents of semi arid Kisima ward, Buuri constituency have received a major boost after Lewa Wildlife Conservancy and other partners decided to construct Subuiga dam in the area to help mitigate water shortages.
The initiative that is a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) will help many with water for domestic use.
John Kinoti, chiefs of Programs and Partnerships Lewa Wildlife Conservancy said the community should own the project.
Kinoti said the community should also conserve the environment and not kill wild animals as they are a source of livelihoods.
He said they will put up another tank and solar water pumps to ensure that those who do not get water through gravity are catered for.
Kisima MCA Mutuma Patrick said the project proposal started more than ten years ago but it started being put up noting it’s good that it’s now operational.
The legislator said they will put up solar pumps to increase the number of beneficiaries.
“We have been having good team work between the county government,Lewa Wildlife community and Kisima residents,” Mutuma said.
He thanked the community that gave out about 12 acres of land so that the project can be put up.
The MCA said residents should take care of the water pipes and tanks to avoid them being vandalised.
Meru County Government chief officer for Water, Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change Mutuma Kangote said that since water is devolved they will continue to partner with non governmental organisations.
Kangote said beneficiaries of the project should use the water well.
“They should try as much as possible to avoid wastage. They can also store water in tanks for future use when there is drought,” Kangote said.
Martin Murianki, a resident of Kisima said they are happy with the initiative.
“We have very fertile land that produces a lot of food. The problem is that we lack enough water. With the building of a dam, we will increase our yields,” Murainki said.
Murianki remained optimistic that more residents will benefit if phase two of the project is launched.
Pastor Prisilla Kiruja thanked the sponsors saying that women and children were the ones who were affected most by the lack of water.
“We want to thank Lewa Wildlife Conservancy for the good initiative as we were trekking for kilometres to look for water for domestic use,” Kiruja said.
She remained optimistic that the project will benefit more if phase two is launched.
Edited by John Majau
