By Antony Zoka
Leaders in Ruruma, Kilifi County raise alarm over increased vandalism of water infrastructure as Kibao Kiche -Masaani water pipeline takes shape.
Addressing residents at Masaani village, during the launch of Masaani – Kibao kiche water project, Jimba Sub location assistant Chief, Isaac Mkando warned that stern action will be taken to whoever will be found guilty of damaging public properties.
“As residents we need to work together in providing security to safeguard all the efforts being done to ensure the people of Jimba and Ruruma at large have access to clean water.” Said Mkando.
According to the administrator, one person cannot deny the public access to clean water calling on the community to help security agents in weeding out those responsible for vandalizing water infrastructure.
Similar sentiments were shared by Rabai Sub County water officer, David Kalisho who revealed that some youths are behind bars after they were found guilty of vandalizing a water tank in Rabai Kisurutini ward.
“We understand water supply is less than required due to increased population hence we can’t wait to see a few individuals worsening the situation by damaging the available infrastructure. However, we need to give maximum security for the water projects to stand a chance of getting the water available.” Noted Kalisho.
Also present was Ruruma ward Member of County Assembly, Naphtali Kombo, who assured Ruruma residents that implementation of water projects is being done in phases.
Kombo revealed that the 3-inch pipeline of the Kibao kiche–Masaani project will be implemented in phases courtesy of equalization funds with the first phase targeting 2.5 kilometer.
According to him, plans are on to facilitate groups that are ready to venture in agribusiness and called youth to invest in agriculture as job opportunities are dismal.
“Ruruma we are lucky to have water pans which by the grace of God are full of water, my office, through the county government of Kilifi, is ready to help our youth invest in irrigation projects.” He said.
Kombo urged youth and women groups to consider registering groups to stand a chance of benefiting from projects and revolving funds from both county and national governments that aimed to empower them.
