Coast

Solar-powered borehole to end water scarcity in Kwale's Mlongotoni Village

Residents in Mlongotoni village, Msambweni sub-county ferych water from the new solar-powered borehole. (Photo: Mishi Gongo)

By Mishi Gongo | Sunday, June 30, 2024

The borehole will provide clean water for over 2,000 families living in the area.

The perennial water shortage problems in Mlongotoni village, Msambweni sub-county are set to become a thing of the past after the Kwale County Government constructed a solar-powered borehole.

The borehole will provide clean water for over 2,000 families living in the area.

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Residents who have been trekking for long distances in search of the commodity will now benefit from the project that is expected to produce 3,000 cubic meters of water per day.

Mlongotoni is among the areas that have been experiencing perennial water shortages, forcing locals to walk long distances in search of the commodity.

Christine Mwadele a resident from Mlongotoni said they have been grappling with water shortage for the longest time.

"We are not able to drill wells because of the proximity of the water. The wells here go as deep as 100 feet. A foot costs Sh1,000 to drill so we are forced to use water from seasonal rivers which in most cases are not clean to drink," she said.

Pump installation costs

Mwadele said apart from drilling, locals have to incur the cost of installing a pump, something that most cannot afford since they are low-income earners.

Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani interacting with locals at Mlongotoni Village on June 29, 2024. (Photo: Mishi Gongo)

"It is hard to retrieve the water using a rope because of the distance. Also, it is not safe for children to fetch because they are open, but with this new borehole we don't have to worry about accidents," she said.

The project entails the construction of a water point with a 10,000-litre tank.

Another local, Saidi Hamisi said the construction of the solar-powered borehole will save time their children used to spend to fetch water.

"Our children used to waste a lot of time fetching water. They could have used the time to study. We are optimistic that now they will have ample time to study and improve their performance," she said thanking the county government for the water project.

"You have reduced the burden of women who had to walk long distances in search of water putting them at risk of being attacked by wild animals while traversing to get the commodity."

Addressing the residents on Saturday, Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani said that her administration will continue to improve the water infrastructure in the county to enable locals to access clean water for domestic and agricultural use through irrigation.

"My Government will continue to drill boreholes in the lower region of Kwale and construct dams in the drought-prone areas of Kinango and Lunga Lunga sub-counties to make the county a self-reliant region in food production through irrigation of food crops," said Achani.

She said her administration has prioritised sustainable water management and community engagement to ensure that no citizen is left behind in the quest for basic amenities.

Other officials who were present for the groundbreaking ceremony were Chief Officers Shikeli Badru (Water), Salim Zimbu (Roads), Political Advisor Mshenga Ruga, county directors and other senior government officials.