GOVERNOR MUTULA AND ASAL PRINCIPAL SECRETARY COMMISSION SH 55M UYI EARTH DAM, BRINGING RELIEF TO THOUSANDS
It is a sigh of relief for 7,800 residents of Ngwata and Ulilinzi locations in Masongaleni Ward, who now have access to clean and safe water for domestic use from Uyi earth dam.
The Sh 55 Million earth dam was rehabilitated by desilting, construction of a water treatment plant, installation of a solar-powered pumping system, and establishment of a distribution network through a partnership by the County Government of Makueni and the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA).
Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr and Principal Secretary for the State Department of ASALs and Regional Development Kello Harsama commissioned the project at Yikitaa on Wednesday 19th March, 2025. Area Member of Parliament Jessica Mbalu, area MCA Bryan Nzoka, counterparts Eric Katumo, Jades Kalunda and Harrison Mutie also attended the event.
Besides water for drinking, the dam will support 8,000 cattle and 15,000 goats, enable micro-irrigation, and enhance drought resilience in the region. It will spare residents the distress of trekking 15km to Athi River, the only other source of water traversing the region. The dam has an underground well which ensures continuous water pumping even when levels go down, and even before the rains fall.
Mr. Harsama pledged more resources from the national government to further expand the dam reservoir to a capacity of 150,000,000 liters of water. This will enhance the irrigation component for sustainable food security in the drought prone area.
This project bolsters Governor Mutula’s agenda for Universal Water Access in Makueni by 2027, through the Last Mile Water Connectivity Program.
