By Mwanaharusi Rashid.
The residents of Nyando village, located in Tsimba/Golini ward of Kwale County, are grappling with a severe water shortage after the breakdown of a borehole that was once their primary source of clean water.
This borehole, which was installed by the county government, has ceased to function properly, leaving the community in a dire situation as they struggle to find alternative water sources.
For weeks now, the village has been plunged into a water crisis, with many households unable to access clean and safe drinking water.
The community members have expressed their deep frustration and concern, noting that the situation is rapidly becoming untenable.
Hassan Randani, a vocal community leader, has been at the forefront of bringing this issue to light. According to Randani, the borehole, which was expected to provide a reliable supply of water to the residents, has been out of service for an extended period, forcing villagers, particularly women, to resort to desperate measures in their search for water.
“The women of this village have been left with no choice but to spend entire nights by the riverside, waiting for a chance to collect water,” Randani said. “This is not just a matter of inconvenience; it is a grave risk to their health and safety. The cold temperatures in the early hours of the morning are hazardous, and the situation is simply unacceptable.”
The breakdown of the borehole has caused the water within it to become contaminated with mud, rendering it unusable.
According to the villagers this has worsen the water scarcity in the village, as the borehole was the only significant source of clean water for the community.
Without it, the residents are left to rely on alternative sources, which are often far from the village and potentially unsafe for consumption.
Randani further expressed his disappointment with the county government, accusing it of neglecting its responsibilities.
He called on the government to urgently address the problem by cleaning and repairing the borehole, emphasizing that access to clean water is a fundamental right that the government is obligated to uphold.
“The borehole was a promise made to us by the county government, and it is their duty to ensure it remains operational,” Randani stated, adding that “Our community cannot continue to suffer due to the failure to maintain this vital resource. We demand immediate action to restore the borehole to working condition. This is not a favor we are asking for, but a right that we are entitled to as citizens.”
The water shortage has had wide-ranging effects on the village. Without a reliable water source, daily life has been severely disrupted.
Women, who traditionally bear the responsibility of fetching water in many rural communities, are now spending hours, and in some cases entire nights, waiting by rivers in the hope of securing enough water for their families.
This not only places them in harm’s way but also limits the time they can devote to other essential tasks, such as farming and caring for their children.
The health risks associated with the current situation are also of significant concern. Prolonged exposure to cold temperatures during the early morning hours can lead to respiratory illnesses, and the use of untreated water from rivers increases the risk of waterborne diseases such as cholera and dysentery.
The community fears that if the situation is not addressed promptly, it could lead to a public health crisis.
Efforts by the residents to bring attention to their plight have so far been met with little response.
However, they remain hopeful that by continuing to voice their concerns, the county government will take swift and decisive action to resolve the issue.
Randani and other community members are urging the government to prioritize the repair of the borehole and ensure that the village has consistent access to clean water.
As the residents of Nyando village continue to endure the hardships caused by the water shortage, their call for action serves as a stark reminder of the essential role that government services play in the well-being of communities.
The restoration of the borehole is not just a matter of convenience; it is a critical need that must be addressed to safeguard the health and dignity of the village’s residents.
