[Garissa Governor Nathif Jama inpects the Masalani water project after its launch] [Photo/star.co.ke]
Garissa Governor Nathif Jama has launched the long-awaited multimillion-shilling Masalani water project which has been under construction for the last two years.The water project which cost the county government a total Sh182 million is the single biggest project implemented by the Garissa County government. The project is estimated to benefit a tune of more than 5,000 residents and is the second water treatment plant in Northeastern.“We are determined to transform the lives of our people by initiating key projects. I personally have no time to engage in politics, which will not help our people,” said the governor.“The project will provide a lasting solution to the perennial water shortage,” he added. The 7.4km piped water project whose source is River Tana will ensure the residents have access to clean water and end the persistent water shortage in the county.The Governor promised to extend the water through pipes to far away towns like Ijara, which is approximately 40km away. This he said will reduce the suffering the people have been going through in search of water. “The project will mark the end of the long suffering of residents, who trek long distances in search of water as their taps frequently ran dry due to the intermittent water supply,” he said.The governor said his administration since coming into power has spent close to a billion shillings specifically on water projects.He said they have constructed 48 water pans, 18 boreholes and several wells.In addition, the governor said the county has installed more than 80km of water pipeline extensions across the county.