The County Government of Taita Taveta has secured a Sh70 million financing agreement with WaterFund, in a move aimed at boosting water supply to the residents.

The project is expected to bring about significant enhancements, including the building of a 500-meter cubic tank at Kasarani, to boost the storage capacity.

The water supply project slated for completion by the end of August this year, is set to enable residents of Kaloleni in Voi Sub-county, to get access to reliable and clean domestic water supply.

Taita Taveta County is among the other five counties of Baringo, Kitui, Kajiado, West Pokot, and Mandera that have also signed agreements for various water projects under WaterFund.

According to Taita Taveta Governor, Andrew Mwadime, the aim of the agreement was to ensure uninterrupted water supply across the County, to curb water shortages previously experienced, as a result of prolonged drought.

‘We aim to ensure water reaches all households in the County so that everyone can enjoy safe and clean w
ater,’ said Mwadime.

The Governor added, ‘This partnership is a clear indication of the county’s readiness to work with governmental and non-governmental entities, to ensure that our people have access to clean water, good health services, agriculture, and education services.’

Reuben Kitololo, the County Chief Officer (CCO) for Water, mentioned that the improved designs aim to expand water supply access in rural and underserved areas, particularly those experiencing population growth.

He added that the County government will contribute an additional Sh15 million by 31st March 2024 to boost the project.

Tavevo Water and Sewerage Company Managing Director, Rose Mbiko, while discussing the project, stated that the new distribution lines will extend to Kaloleni, Mnaoni, Kalambe, Kavingoni, Mlegwa, Mkamenyi, Manoni, Gimba and Wongoni.

WaterFund CEO, Willis Ombai, described the project as a ‘climate-proofed investment’, aiming to strengthen the area’s resilience against drought which is a consequence of climat
e change.

‘Water is a basic need yet very scarce in some areas. However, these projects will bring change as water will now be easily accessible to the people of Voi,’ he said.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The Old Mutual Foundation, through the ||Kharas Governor’s office, on Monday donated food items to 59 families at Aussenkehr who lost their belongings and houses in a fire last year.

The affected families who received food items worth a total N.dollars 30 000, mostly consist of employees of grape companies. The fire occurred in November and claimed the life of a 27-year-old man.

Governor Aletha Frederick while thanking the foundation for the gesture, urged the employers and owners of the grape companies, as well as the regional council, to come together and urgently address the pressing housing needs of Aussenkehr residents.

‘It is essential that we work together to ensure that these families have a safe and secure place to call home as they rebuild their lives after this devastating tragedy. It is through collective efforts and acts of kindness that we can truly make a difference and build a stronger, more resilient society,’ she said.

Frederick also encouraged the victims to remain strong and resilient
during this difficult time.

‘Please know that you are not alone. Many within our community are there to support you and use the donation for its intended purpose, feed your families and alleviate some of the burdens you are facing.’

Meanwhile, the Namibia Grape Company (NGC) constructed 24 shacks for their employees affected by the fire and provided beds, mattresses, and gas stoves all to the tune of N.dollars 300 000 funded through the NGC trust.

In an interview with Nampa recently, NGC managing director Gideon Nuunyango said the donation to the employees formed part of the company’s corporate social responsibility.

‘These people are our employees, some have been working here for many years and we decided to help them in this time of need,’ he said.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency