Mwatate, Taita Taveta County – After years of enduring acute water shortages, the residents of Mwatate Ward are celebrating a major milestone following the official launch of the Josa Modambogho Water Project in the Landi Maili-Kumi area. The initiative marks a significant step forward in ensuring reliable access to clean water for over 500 households in one of the county’s most water-stressed regions.
The Ward Fund fully funded project targets rural communities that have been severely affected by the impacts of climate change. The successful implementation of the project follows three years of consistent rehabilitation and infrastructure development spearheaded by Hon. Joseph Mwalegha, the area Member of County Assembly (MCA).
Speaking at the launch event, Hon. Mwalegha—affectionately known as Ankoo—emphasized the critical importance of environmental conservation, urging highland residents to continue planting trees to mitigate the effects of climate change. He highlighted the stark challenges faced by lowland communities, who have long struggled with diminishing water resources due to erratic weather patterns.
JOSEPH MWALEGHA
MCA- MWATATE WARD
Over the past three financial years, I have allocated a budget of 2 million shillings annually, culminating in a total expenditure of 6 million shillings for this financial year. These funds have facilitated the installation of a new water pipeline connecting the Josa source to Landi Maili-Kumi, as well as the renovation of two key water storage tanks
With the system now fully operational, residents in Landi Maili-Kumi, Mdindinyi, California, and Mgeno will no longer need to walk long distances in search of water—a life-changing development for the community.
The launch event attracted a crowd of approximately 300 local residents and several high-profile dignitaries, including H.E. Governor Andrew Mwadime, CECM for Water, Sanitation, and Climate Change Granton Mwandawiro, CECM for Agriculture and Irrigation Dawson Katuu, Chief County Officer Elizabeth Mbinga, and Mwatate Sub-County Water Officer Marsden Mwangemi.
The Josa Modambogho Water Project is being hailed as a flagship example of how devolved governance and climate-resilient planning can directly uplift communities at the grassroots level.
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