The National Drought Management Authority has launched the construction of Ngolia-Mbololo water project in Voi, Taita Taveta county.
The Sh56 million water project is part of the drought resilient projects spearheaded by the authority in the region.
While launching the construction on Tuesday, NDMA chairman Shallow Yahya said the project will be implemented in partnership with the county government.
"The water project was identified and recommended for funding by the county drought committee. It is meant to ease access to clean water in Mbololo and Ngolia wards," he said.
The project, Yahya said, is estimated to benefit at least 4,500 households and more than 5,000 livestock.
It will be a key source of water for health facilities and other institutions within the environs.
"This project is aimed at enhancing drought resilience in the county. Residents will be able to make kitchen gardens thus promoting food security," he said.
Yahya said the authority will continue partnering with the devolved unit to build resilience against the adverse effects of climate change.
Governor Andrew Mwadime praised NDMA for its continuous support in helping manage drought in the county.
Mwadime said the county government is keen on implementing key water projects across the county in line with the county integrated development plan.
He urged stakeholders to partner with his administration to end water problems in the county.
"We are open to more partnerships that will bolster the realisation of development projects in our county. We are giving much priority to water projects as they are key drivers of development," Mwadime said.
Voi legislator Khamis Chome said the water project will solve other community challenges in the area to boost sustainable livelihoods.
"The projects aim at ending issues of water scarcity by ensuring the available water sources are distributed to areas within. This will in return boost sustainable livelihoods with the community," he said.
Chome asked the contractor to prioritise local youths in construction jobs during the project period.
"I also request the contractor to consider a corporate social responsibility project in the area at the end of the project," he said.
Chome promised to continue working closely with other agencies to end water scarcity within the constituency.