Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. alongside State Department of ASALs (NDMA) PS Kello Harsama and other stakeholders on Wednesday during launch of Uyi Dam at Masongaleni, Kibwezi.

Over 7,800 residents of Ngwata and Ulinzi locations in Masongaleni Ward will now enjoy access to clean and safe water for domestic use from the Uyi earth dam.

The Sh55 Million earth dam was rehabilitated by constructing a water treatment plant, installing a solar-powered pumping system, and establishing a distribution network through a partnership between the County Government of Makueni and the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA).

Makueni 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.

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"We are very happy to report that the Dam which holds 150 cubic metres has been constructed successfully, the water supply system has been installed and officially from today more than 8,000 people will benefit from clean treated water," noted Harsama.

He said that this is a major boost to the local people who have suffered for decades due to water shortage.

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"Women have been walking for 15 kilometres daily in search of this useful commodity for their domestic use, they will fetch water at their doorstep and their animals will have free access to water," added Ps.

Harsama indicated that the government will allocate more funds in the coming budgets to expand the dam for dry land agriculture for the residents.

This aims at solving food security in the area and the surroundings.

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.

Moreover, it will spare residents the distress of trekking 10km to the 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.

"This is a project of its kind and the first to be established in this area, with its primary level complete we shall allocate resources for its second phase of distribution during public participation," Mutula noted.

With the Dam having three tributaries to the Dam, the Governor says that they are going to make it a signature Dam in Masongaleni and allow them to grow crops and fruits.

"Following Research carried out in this area water availability will put to an end all food scarcity related issues and poverty, domestic violence and school absenteeism will be a thing of the past," added Governor.

This project bolsters Governor Mutula's agenda for Universal Water Access in Makueni by 2027 through the "Last Mile Water Connectivity Program”.

Area MP Jessica Mbalu, MCA Bryan Nzoka, and counterparts Eric Katumo, Jades Kalunda and Harrison Mutie also attended the event.