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Mwingi earth dams desilted, easier to wash hands

Water previously muddyand dams overcrowded, now there' more water and social spacing.

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Counties24 May 2020 - 19:00
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In Summary


  • •The desilted dam is helpful as people are supposed o wash their hands regularly to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
  • • Children are able to use the water to make bricks, plant vegetable and irrigate.
Mueni John[in blue tshirt] and Faith Mulinda load water jerrycans onto a donkey at Kiio dam,Mwingi West

More than 4,000 households in Mwingi West have benefited from desilting of two earth dams, providing cleaner water and easing congestion at other water points.

Residents say the desilted dams are helpful as Kenyans are supposed to wash hands regularly and avoid crowding.

Kang’uutheni residents in Migwani ward no longer have to walk more than four kilometres to fetch water as MP Charles Nguna rehabilitated the Kang’uutheni dam.

Trader Alice Kakuta said they faced a water shortage but rehabilitation of the earth dam saved people from flocking to Migwani earth dam, four kilometres from her shop.
 
 “We used to fetch water from Migwani earth dam, which was tough for those without donkeys. They had to carry water on their backs," Kakuta said.

 

 

 

 

She said the rehabilitated dam has enough water and is wide enough so people don't have to crowd together.

The businesswoman also said traders have been able to place handwashing drums outside shops so customers can clean their hands.

Homesteads also have more water so people can wash their hands to fight the spread of the coronavirus.

“The dam is helpful when the government has directed us to wash our hands regularly to combat the spread of the virus," Kakuka said.

 

Farmer Joseph Samuel thanked the MP for desilting the dam as there is now more water for irrigation. He has planted vegetables near the dam and now does not have to carry water from far away.

Children are able to stay home and don't have to walk long distances for water.

Resident Eunice Vundi urged parents to watch over their children and make sure they do not go swimming in the dam, risking drowning.

Desilting two dams cost Sh1 million each MP Nguna said he used his own money to rehabilitate Kanguutheni earth dam two months ago.

In Kiomo, Kyethani ward in the same constituency, the MP  rehabilitated a second dam.

Kiomo resident Mwongeli Mutua said the earth dam has enabled social distancing because it has eased congestion.

She said children are using the water to make bricks and plant vegetables.

(Edited By V. Graham)

 

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