Hope for Makueni residents as Sh10 Million borehole enables access to clean water

The thirst quenching Sh10 Million well set to serve Mituvu residents of Makueni County who have been traveling over long distances in search of the precious commodity. [Courtesy]

Mituvu residents in Makueni County now have a reason to smile after they received a Sh10 million water borehole. 

The 14 cubic meters well will grant the locals endless access to clean water for their domestic purposes.

The well comes fully equipped with solar panels to power water extraction and distribution. It shows commitment in support of communities in accessing sufficient, safe, physically accessible, and affordable water for personal and domestic use.

The borehole comes as a relief to the community, particularly women and school-going children, who previously had to travel long distances to draw water from unsupervised water points while paying exorbitantly for the precious commodity.

“We are incredibly proud of this project and the positive impact it will have on the community. Access to clean water is essential for life and by harnessing the power of solar energy, we are making strides towards a more sustainable and equitable future. In our rural communities, many still face daily challenges in obtaining this basic resource.

“By supporting them, we can help improve their health, dignity, and overall quality of life. It's not just a drop in the ocean; it's a wave of hope for humanity,” Mutua Mutava, Betika Managing Director stated during commissioning of the borehole powered by their Betika Na Community Foundation.

Mutava also mentioned that they are dedicated to fostering collaboration between the brand, county governments, and other development partners to tackle water shortages in various counties. This commitment includes investing in the water sector, rehabilitating existing water projects like sand dams, water pans, and boreholes, completing unfinished water projects, and enhancing the proper management of current water sources.

The area surrounding chief, Mr. James Juma noted during the launch: “We are immensely grateful for this transformative borehole project. The water scarcity situation here is severe, but the installation of the new borehole is expected to solve many challenges in agriculture and healthcare. The borehole will provide water to Mituvu primary and secondary schools, the Mituvu health care center, the chief's camp, and the surrounding community of Mituvu. This is a huge relief to thousands of households and service facilities here."

Juma’s sentiments were echoed by BCLB Chairperson Dr. Jane Makau who stated: “We are grateful for this initiative. I hope that this gesture is part of a broader commitment for sustainable development and empowerment within this community.

“Moving forward, I hope other corporate will replicate this successful model in other regions and provide clean water and renewable energy to underserved communities countrywide. The addition of solar panels will ensure that there is consistent water supply even with limited access to electricity. I am happy I accepted this invite because I have witnessed a tremendous initiative for the people of Mituvu.”

In Kenya, Makueni County is classified under the Arid and Semi-Arid locations (ASAL) that faces dire rainfall shortage which makes access to clean water a challenge.

A report by UNICEF shows that nearly half of rural Kenyans lack access to basic water services, with many relying on unsafe surface water to meet their daily needs. Additionally, seven per cent of health facilities in the country either use water from an improved source that is more than 500 meters from the facility, use an unimproved source or have no water source at all.