Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua has announced plans to drill over 1,000 solar powered boreholes across the county by June this year.
Mutua said his government has set aside adequate funds to drill boreholes and connect residents to clean tap water.
Mutua said that water is one of the main challenges facing locals in the county.
Speaking during the Ukambani Professionals' meeting at the Kenyatta Stadium on Saturday, the governor said that the boreholes will be drilled in every sub county and Ward across the county.
“Water is one of the major challenges facing Machakos people and the government is keen to address the problem,” said Mutua.
The governor revealed that the county is working with foreign experts to ensure the project is completed by June this year.
Mutua noted that locals are forced to walk many kilometers in such of water.
“We understand what the people are going through and that is why we have launched drilling of solar powered boreholes in every Ward,” he said.
Mutua also said that installation of water pipes and systems is being done across the county and that locals will be connected to piped tap water.
In a bid to promote and encourage farming, Mutua said that plans are also underway to construct water dams in every sub county across Machakos.
He said that food security of the region can be assured through irrigation.
Mutua said that his government is bench marking with other countries like Israel on proper ways of harnessing water and irrigation for food production.