Kirima area residents in Subukia sub-county’s Kiamaina ward are calling on the government to intervene after a recently dug borehole failed to produce water.
The residents are worried after being hit by a severe drought despite being in a water-catchment area at the Menengai forest. Some residents blame the engineer whom they accuse of giving false information that there is water in the area. The engineer had allegedly said the water could serve both Kirima and Kiamaina ward residents.
“We are sure this is a plot by the same engineer to loot funds from the government. How come the same place lacks water despite attempts to have different companies drill for water?” wondered Jonathan Njoroge, a Kirima resident.
Former Subukia MP Nelson Gaichuhia allegedly tried to solve the problem by drilling for water but faced a similar challenge.
Most farmers in the area depend on rains but lack water harvesting methods and materials. Due to poverty, the farmers cannot afford to buy tanks and this gives them a hard time, especially those who rear cattle.
“We suffer a lot and so do our livestock since there is no grazing land and we have to buy water for both human and livestock consumption. The water source is far and our donkeys cannot go many times apart from morning and evening,” said Grace Wamucii, another Kirima resident.
Area Member of County Assembly Samuel Kamau said he is negotiating with the county government to help solve the problem.
“We want to solve this problem once and for all. The residents should be able to carry out their activities without worrying about water scarcity.”