Wavinya, Malombe step in to end Masinga water wrangles

Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti and her Kitui counterpart Julius Malombe have moved to end the longstanding wrangling between communities from the two(2) counties over the use of water from the Masinga reservoir.

On Thursday, the two(2) leaders unveiled an ad hoc committee comprising senior officials drawn from the two(2) counties that will explore the existing gaps in the utilisation of the water resource and draw up a fair and equitable formula regarding the consumption of Masinga water.

The two(2) neighboring counties have been engrossed in a time-honored dispute over the utilisation of Masinga dam water, with residents within Machakos crying foul over Kitui county’s perceived domination of the control of the critical resource.

Addressing the media in Machakos while unveiling the ad hoc committee, governor Ndeti noted that Masinga dam was a national resource whose benefit should also extend to the neighbouring county in the spirit of the South Eastern Kenya Economic Bloc.

“Dr Malombe and I have met with our delegation drawn from the water departments to deliberate on how to utilise water from Masinga dam to ensure both counties benefit. During the inaugural meeting, both parties have agreed to work harmoniously to serve the residents,” governor Ndeti said.

The Machakos county boss added that the ad hoc committee will offer solutions to the existing conflict between communities from the two(2) neighbouring counties by ensuring fair and just utilisation of the natural resource.

Dr Malombe echoed Ms Ndeti’s sentiments, saying that the two(2) governments had reached a consensus to involve technical experts and advisors in order to craft an acceptable mechanism in the utilisation of Masinga dam water resource.

“The ad hoc committee has been tasked with specific terms of reference including developing short term, medium term and long term plans to deal with the task. Water executives from the two counties will be the conveners of the committee with the backing of chief officers and technical advisors,” said Dr Malombe.

At the same time, Machakos Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi lauded the two(2) county chiefs, terming their move timely and patriotic. 

“It is a great thing for our leaders to come together and offer solutions to some of the challenges that cut across. Unity of purpose is very important. We are happy that our governors are united in providing solutions to such challenges,” said Mr Mwangangi.