More than 5,000 residents of Mwiyumia, Blue City and Munanda villages in Kaimbaga Ward, Nyandarua County, are set to benefit from improved access to clean and safe water, once the reticulation works of the Mwiyumia water project are completed.

Nyandarua Governor Kiarie Badilisha said the project involved the drilling of a borehole to a depth of 214 metres, equipping it with a solar-powered pumping system capable of delivering 30,000 litres of water per hour, and constructing an elevated steel water storage tank with a capacity of 24,000 litres.

The governor added that the project, currently in its second phase, is already serving 350 households, with the number expected to increase to over 600 households once the water distribution network is completed.

He noted that the borehole provides a reliable source of safe water for domestic use, while also supporting livestock production, thereby strengthening the local economy and enhancing household resilience.

“This project was financed through the Nyandarua County Climate Change Fund under the Financing Locally-Led Climate Action (FLLoCA) Programme as part of climate resilience and water TV security interventions, aimed at addressing the growing impacts of climate variability and prolonged dry spells in Nyandarua County,” he said.

The Mwiyumia Water Project is expected to significantly improve the quality of life for residents by enhancing access to safe water, reducing the prevalence of water-borne diseases and supporting sustainable socio-economic development in the area.

Residents interviewed by KNA  expressed joy and relief, noting that they had endured years of water scarcity, where they relied on a nearby dam as their main source of water.

They regretted that previously they had to use untreated water, which exposed families to water-borne diseases, leading to illnesses and in some cases loss of lives.

However, the availability of clean water would now boost hygiene standards, improve livelihoods and support livestock keeping, which remains a key economic activity in the area.

by Antony Mwangi