Malombe revives stalled Sh32m water project

Kitu Governor Julius Malombe has announced that his administration has successfully revived a water project valued at Sh32 million, which had previously become a white elephant due to substandard workmanship.

The governor explained that the Nzeeu–Kavaasya–Ngiluni water project, initiated during the tenure of his predecessor, Charity Ngilu, had been poorly executed and failed to produce a single drop of water, much to the disappointment of the beneficiary community.

“My administration injected Sh1.6 million into the project, and now water is available to over 2,500 households. Residents can enjoy a reliable supply of clean and safe drinking water,” Malombe stated.

He spoke during a public rally at Ngiluni dispensary in Kisasi ward, Kitui Rural subcounty, where he commissioned a new maternity wing at the facility on Friday.

Earlier in the day, at Ngiluni trading centre, he officially commissioned the rehabilitated water project. The project will now serve as a dependable water source for residents who had suffered for years following the initial project’s failure due to substandard workmanship.

Malombe remarked that the original Sh32 million project appeared to be grossly overpriced, noting that similar projects typically cost a maximum of Sh17 million. He expressed concern that, despite the heavy investment, the project failed to deliver any water, suggesting it had been designed merely as a conduit to siphon public funds.

He assured residents that his administration remains vigilant and committed to preventing the misuse of public resources through inflated project costs. To avoid similar occurrences where large sums of public money are sunk into unbeneficial projects, Malombe urged the public to remain vigilant and report cases of shoddy work in government projects to the relevant authorities.

The governor also revealed that upon taking office in 2022, the county inherited a substantial backlog of pending bills, which the administration has been working to clear to protect contractors and suppliers.

Malombe lamented that delayed payments in the past had caused severe financial distress among contractors, with some reportedly suffering depression or losing their lives. However, he emphasised that since assuming office, he has directed all county officials to ensure contractors and suppliers are paid promptly to safeguard their welfare and financial stability.

He further disclosed that over 3,000 transformative projects have been completed across the county since 2022, with many awaiting commissioning. The governor revealed that he has set aside time each week specifically for the opening of these completed projects.

Malombe also announced that the groundbreaking for the Sh200 million Nzamba Kitonga Memorial Hospital in Mutitu ward, Kitui East subcounty, took place last Friday.

He noted that the project, implemented in partnership with the national government, is expected to significantly improve healthcare access for residents in seven wards located in the peripheral areas of Kitui County.

Additionally, the governor revealed that an MRI facility will soon be installed at Kitui County Referral Hospital, a move expected to reduce the burden and costs associated with traveling outside the county for specialised diagnostic services.