26/06/2025
26th June 2025
Efforts to Boost Water Security Begin with Desilting of Kwa Nditu Earthdam in Kiima Kiu/Kalanzoni ward.
A major desilting operation has commenced at Kwa Nditu Earthdam in Kiima Kiu/Kalanzoni Ward, marking a significant step towards improving water availability for local communities.
Led by Makueni County Sand Conservation and Utilization Authority, the exercise is part of a broader strategy to enhance water resource management and promote environmental sustainability through the community model approach.
Kwa Nditu Earthdam, which has a capacity of approximately 3 million litres, is a vital water source for over 250 households in the area. However, years of sediment accumulation had reduced its holding capacity, limiting access to water during dry seasons.
Speaking during the launch of the desilting project, the Authority's Managing Director Urbanus Ndunda emphasized the importance of restoring the dam to its original capacity. “By removing the silt and restoring this water facility, we are not only improving water security but also empowering the local community to manage and conserve its natural resources sustainably,” he noted.
The community model approach involves local residents in every stage of the project; from planning to implementation, ensuring a sense of ownership and long-term sustainability.
Residents welcomed the initiative, noting that the restored dam would ease the burden of accessing clean water and support both domestic use and small-scale agriculture.
Sand Authority reaffirmed its commitment to replicating similar interventions across other wards in the county, aligning with Makueni’s broader development goals on water access, environmental protection, and community-driven conservation efforts creating a resilient future where people and nature thrive.
