At least 15,000 residents of Emali municipality are set to benefit from a water project after the Makueni county Government commissioned a borehole in Nzaui sub county.
Speaking in Emali Town, the County Executive for water Eng. John Kieti noted that commissioning of the borehole will ensure supply of clean and steady water to residents of the municipality unlike in the past when residents travelled for long distances in search of the precious commodity.
The project, whose construction was initiated by the Tanathi Water Works Development Agency (TAWWDA) during the Covid-19 period, was officially handed over to Emali Dedicated Children Agency (EDCA) Wednesday to manage on behalf of the county government.
“We had a Memorandum of Understanding with EDCA on 5th February 2025, to hand over the project to them to run on our behalf. Water will be supplied to all traders and institutions in this municipality, hence improving on its governance,” said Eng. Kieti while commissioning the project.
“The borehole will be powered by 30 panels of solar and it produces 8 cubic meters of water per hour. There will be 8 kiosks from where water will be distributed to beneficiaries placed strategically in the town. Each kiosk will be fitted with 10,000 litres plastic tank that will ensure access of clean and reliable water,” he noted.
The county executive further said that the provision of clean water to the residents, will eliminate waterborne diseases, beside clean water being a basic need to drive the overall development in the town.
“This borehole marks a major milestone in our ongoing efforts to provide reliable and safe water to the people of Emali,” he said.
On his part, Emali Municipality Manager Philip Ngila said that the project will improve the health of the residents besides boosting businesses, hence expanding the town’s economy.
“Water scarcity has been a long-standing challenge in Emali. With this project, we expect to see improved hygiene, better health outcomes, and a boost to small businesses that rely on water,” said Ngila.
The EDCA also manages four other water projects in the town, hence sustainability of the borehole is guaranteed.
By Faith Nzembi