Mulingana residents forced to use dirty dam water

Residents of Mulingana village in Kangundo Sub-County have asked the County Government of Machakos to repair a community borehole to ease their water problems.

The residents said on Sunday that the borehole in the village served a school, and the community around.

Whenever the borehole breaks down and no repairs are done, the residents go without water for months.

Mr Peter Mutuku said they had experienced water problems for the last seven(7) months after the borehole broken and could not pump any water.

He said the neighbouring school is lacking water which is a dangerous situation during this time of mpox pandemic as students need to maintain hygiene.

"We appeal to the County government and our area MP Fabian Kyule to help rehabilitate this borehole as it is the only source of water in the village," said Mr Mutuku.

The County government has in the past blamed villagers for vandalizing the borehole on the claim that they had been influenced by politicians.

The villagers are now using a dam which is used by their livestock and is near the borehole.

But the dam water, the residents say, is not ideal for a good hygiene and other domestic uses.

Ms Anne Nduku said she is forced to go for a long distance in pursuit of clean water and sometimes she had gone for days without water.

She said the borehole had adequate water to serve the community, but pumping system was the problem.

''We are asking governor Wavinya Ndeti to help us. We are suffering,'' said Ms Nduku.

Poor road network, lack of water, insecurity, poverty and poor educational facilities are some of the issues the residents want tackled urgently by area MP and MCAs.

The residents said they would not be swayed by leaders in 2027 unless they act now.