Mwingi West Sub-County- Migwani TSC Hall
Thursday, May 16th, 2024.
Residents of Mwingi West Sub-county have called on the County Government of Kitui to prioritize water provision in the area which has perennially been hard-hit by water scarcity.
The locals spoke during a public participation exercise on proposed Kitui County Budget Estimates for the Fiscal Year 2024/2025 held at the TSC Hall, in Migwani town today (Thursday).
During the exercise spearheaded by the County Committee on Budget and Appropriations, the residents pointed out that the densely populated sub-county is hard struck by water shortage and it was time for the county government to allocate funds to salvage the situation.
The County Assembly select Committee delegation was led by Kanyangi MCA Hon. Boniface Mukwate who called on members of the public to boldly give their views on the coming Fiscal Year’s budget even as he reassured them that their views would be considered in the final report by the committee.
Members of the public observed that under the proposed county budget, the County Ministry of Water and Irrigation, it was not clear on whether the county government would construct a mega dam in the sub-county, even after being part of the of Governor Dr. Julius Malombe’s campaign manifesto pledge. They proposed construction of one mega dam and two major dams in the sub-county in the next financial year.
In addition, the locals unanimously proposed the county government to construct one earth dam instead of the proposed three sand dams in each ward. “Many of the sand dams already constructed are of poor quality and in the long run are not being helpful to our people. Instead of putting up three sand dams per ward, why can’t we have that amount appropriated re-allocated to construct an earth dam which will retain water for a longer period and serve more people?,” posed Mwende Syanda, a former civic leader in the area.
Additionally, members of the public proposed additional allocation to build structures for vocational training centres and employment of tutors in the key educational facilities.
The residents also recommended an allocation to cater for construction of a perimeter wall, a theatre and male ward at Migwani Level IV Hospital. They also proposed for appropriation of funds for installation of coolers at the Migwani morgue.
They further proposed that Kshs. 100 million allocated for dustless towns programme under the department of Urban Development to factor Migwani town which serves as the sub county headquarters for Mwingi West.
