KWALE and likoni Coast Water Services Board yesterday unveiled a Sh248 million new water boreholes project in the area. The Tiwi boreholes and Likoni pipeline water works were yesterday commissioned by water and irrigation ministry PS David Stower.

The project included the drilling and equipping of seven new boreholes and rehabilitation of three existing boreholes. The World Bank funded project included construction of a 23 kilometer pipeline to different water points.

Speaking when he commissioned the project, Stower said the government is ensuring an increased water supply.

“It is our duty to ensure wananchi do not suffer. We have to meet the high demand as a result of development and increased population,” said Stower.

He called on CWSB to ensure the project runs on a 24 hour basis. He called for expansion of water projects to reach dry areas such as Kinango and Samburu which are adversely affected by drought.

“We must come up with more boreholes to relieve the overburdened common water sources. This will enable us spread water services to other areas which need this services,” He said.

According to CWSB chairman Anthony Mrima, the new project will increase water production from 7million to 13 million liters per day.

He said CWSB has increased water production From Mzima springs, Baricho springs, Baricho well field, Marere springs and the Tiwi boreholes which are the main water sources in Mombasa and parts of the coast.

Former CWSB director Zainab Chidzuga called for an expansion of water projects in the vast Kwale County. “We have to do more or else we will even start closing down our schools because of water shortage,” she said.  Chidzuga said Kwale has water tributaries and potential borehole water availability which can ensure constant supply of clean water.

Source : abdas.org