Kibwezi West: The national government, through the National Irrigation Authority (NIA), has constructed four dams at a total cost of Sh120 million in Kibwezi West Constituency aimed at improving water access and food security in the area. Among the dams that were completed were Kwa Matilu in Nguu Masumba and Mbui Nzau, Syumile, and Sekeleni in Nguumo wards, respectively, whereby each dam has a capacity of 50 million litres of water.
According to Kenya News Agency, NIA Chairperson Engineer Gilbert Maluki, while commissioning the Kwa Matilu dam, emphasized the importance of the dams for the community and highlighted the collective responsibility to protect these projects. Maluki stated that each dam cost Sh30 million and the initiative will address water shortages, support household irrigation, and transform livelihoods in the area.
Maluki also revealed that the NIA has initiated the process for eight additional dams in the constituency, with the tendering process underway to select contractors for the projects. Kibwezi West Member of Parliament (MP) Mwengi Mutuse, addressing the public during the commissioning ceremony, urged residents to protect the community projects from vandalism. He stressed that such infrastructure is crucial for economic transformation and poverty alleviation in the region.
Mutuse warned against the vandalism of government projects, particularly by those involved in the scrap metal business, and encouraged the community to safeguard these investments for their benefit.