Kathozweni: Over 6,500 residents of Mavindini Ward will benefit from improved access to safe and reliable water following the commissioning of the Athi-Mavindini Water Project in Kathozweni Sub-county by Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr.
According to Kenya News Agency, while commissioning the water project, Mutula disclosed that the water will be connected to three institutions of learning and two markets. The project comprises a 100-cubic-meter concrete intake sump, a solar-powered pumping system, more than 11 kilometers of rising main, and 7.5 kilometers of distribution lines.
‘Three institutions have been connected to the water supply; two markets and three water kiosks have also been served,’ said Mutula. ‘The project further includes a four-kilometer irrigation pipeline with 40 tees that will support agricultural activities in the area,’ he added.
The project will also feature a water treatment plant and solar-powered pumping system at Miangeni, a 150-cubic-meter masonry storage tank at Ilumani, security fa
cilities, sanitation amenities, CCTV cameras, and security lighting. The County Government of Makueni, in partnership with Financing Locally-Led Climate Action (FLLOCA), aims to enhance the Athi water supply system to enable distribution of between 18 and 20 cubic meters of water per hour from the Athi River.
The water is treated at Miangeni at the rate of 15 cubic meters per hour before being conveyed to the Ilumani storage tank for distribution. This investment has improved water security in Athi-Mavindini and reduced residents’ dependence on untreated river water, besides reducing their exposure to crocodile attacks at the Athi River.
The governor urged the residents to protect the water project against vandalism. During the tour, Mutula also commissioned an Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) classroom at Methouvini Primary and inspected Muusini Dispensary. He was accompanied by Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili, Makueni County Assembly Speaker Douglas Mbilu, Clerk Kevin Mutuku, County Executive Comm
ittee Member for Health Joyce Mutua, and her counterparts for Devolution, Education, and Gender Nicolas Nzioka, Japhet Mang’oka, and Eng. Sabastian Kyoni, respectively, along with several MCAs.
