Friday, March 25, 2022
Cattle herders in Kitui East Sub-County can now breathe a sigh of relief after Governor Charity Ngilu today initiated construction of 90,000 cubic-meter (90 million-litre) Kwa Salangi dam.
The reservoir, which is situated at Koi/Katumbi village within Endau/Malalani Ward, will serve the expansive Kalikuvu Ranch which homes over 15,000 heads of cattle from Ukasi, Nuu, Endau, Malalani, Voo and Kyamatu areas.
Speaking during site inspection tour, Kitui East Sub-County Administrator Daniel Munyoto said the project will provide a permanent solution to water problems facing the local herdsmen.
“This area is endowed with adequate pasture to suffice the animals throughout the year but water is a serious challenge. We thank Governor Ngilu for heeding their plea for a reliable water source,” he said.
Mr. Munyoto also affirmed the Governor’s commitment to ensure the dam is completed within a few weeks time in order to collect water during the imminent rainy season.
The herders association chairman Alex Muinde Syovo, acclaimed the county boss for fulfilling her water provision and wealth creation pledges not only for Kitui East residents but also for the entire county.
“We escalated our request for a dam to the Governor a few days ago and true to her promise to address the issue, she sent a team today to inspect the proposed dam site,” revealed Mr Syovo.
He, however, regretted huge losses suffered by the herders as their cows and goats trek for tens of kilometers in search for water.
“Some of our animals die due to thirst or extreme exhaustion as they trek to distant water points under the scorching sun but salvation is nigh thanks to Governor Ngilu’s visionary leadership,” he emphasized.
The association consists of over 300 members whose sole source of livelihoods is animal husbandry.
On his part, area Deputy County Commissioner Ngura Mwamati lauded Governor Ngilu for the initiative noting that it would provide sustainable solutions to water-related disputes between Kitui and neighbouring Tana River herdsmen.
“Water scarcity has previously triggered violent conflict between the Kamba and Somali herders but the mega dam will guarantee enough water for all hence peaceful co-existence.
Also present in the entourage was Kitui CPSB member Bishop Joseph Kyavoa, County Superintendent Water Engineer Robert Munyoki and Kitui East Sub-County water officer Vincent Ngei.
Governor’s Press Service
