Ministry of water inspects Ukunda water project
Residents of Ukunda and neighbouring areas in Kwale County are expected to benefit from improved water supply as the Ukunda Water Supply Project approaches completion, with borehole drilling reaching 98 per cent and solarisation works standing at 60 per cent.
During a joint final inspection at Kilole Borehole No. 1, a Water and Sanitation Development Project (WSDP) representative briefed officials from the Ministry of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation, Coast Water Works Development Agency (CWWDA) and Kwale Water and Sewerage Company (KWAWASCO) on the progress of the works.
The project involves drilling nine boreholes, each designed to produce 90 cubic metres of water per hour. According to the project update, the remaining activities are expected to be completed within two weeks.
The project also includes a 4,200-cubic-metre reservoir at Mabokoni and the installation of transmission pipelines to improve water storage and distribution to consumers.
The initiative forms part of wider efforts to address persistent water shortages affecting Ukunda, Diani, Tiwi and neighbouring communities. The scheme is designed to serve approximately 200,000 residents and tourists, with a planned production capacity of 10 million litres per day and about 6,000 metered connections.
The Diani-Ukunda urban water project is among investments intended to expand supply through additional boreholes and pipelines, helping meet rising demand in the coastal region.
The use of solar-powered pumping systems is expected to support borehole operations while reducing dependence on conventional electricity. However, sustained benefits will depend on proper maintenance of the pumps, solar equipment, pipelines and storage facilities.
Once completed and operational, the expanded infrastructure is expected to strengthen water supply reliability in Ukunda and surrounding areas, where population growth and tourism continue to increase demand for water.
