New boreholes boost Igembe water supply
Residents of Igembe South Sub County are set to benefit from improved access to water following the commissioning of new and rehabilitated boreholes under the Igembe Cluster Water Project – Lot III.
The water infrastructure was commissioned during a public engagement and participation exercise attended by Cabinet Secretary for Water, Sanitation and Irrigation Eng. Eric Mugaa, senior government officials and representatives from the Water Resources Authority (WRA) and Tana Water Works Development Agency (TWWDA).
The initiative seeks to strengthen access to reliable water supplies for communities and public institutions while supporting the development of water infrastructure in areas facing water shortages.
During the exercise, the team commissioned a newly constructed borehole at Athi Market in Kirindine Sublocation, Athi Location, Akachiu Ward, Igembe South Sub County. The facility is expected to provide water to traders at the market as well as households and other members of the surrounding community.
The commissioning was also accompanied by public participation, giving residents an opportunity to engage government officials on water-related issues affecting the area. Such engagements are aimed at ensuring that community needs are incorporated into the planning and implementation of water projects.
The delegation also visited Tiira Primary School in Tiira Sublocation, Nduguto Location, where a rehabilitated borehole was commissioned. The restored facility is expected to improve access to water for the school community and contribute to better hygiene and sanitation conditions within the institution.
The commissioning brought together officials from various government agencies, including WRA and TWWDA. WRA was represented by Acting Director of Water Resources Assessment and Monitoring Mr Fred Nyongesa, who represented the Acting Chief Executive Officer. TWWDA Chief Executive Officer Eng. Phillip Gichuki also participated in the exercise alongside Deputy Director for Tana Region Coordination Omar Abdi and Assistant Director for Meru Sub-Region Coordination Agatha Mugure.WRA staff and other government officials also took part in the commissioning and community engagement activities.
The project highlights the importance of collaboration among national government agencies, water institutions and local communities in expanding access to safe and reliable water. Public participation remains an important component of water infrastructure development, as it enables communities to contribute to decisions concerning projects that directly affect their livelihoods.
The newly constructed and rehabilitated boreholes are expected to ease water challenges for residents, traders and learners while supporting broader efforts to improve water security in Igembe South.
The project also demonstrates the role of last-mile water connectivity in ensuring that investments in water infrastructure translate into tangible benefits for communities. By bringing water services closer to households, markets and institutions, the initiative is expected to contribute to improved livelihoods and enhanced community resilience.
