Locals in Kifyonzo and Kirima cha Uha, Petition parliament for lack of water!
Kifyonzo and Kirima cha uha residents are forced to walk more than 4 kilometers searching for water/Photo Caroline Kahonzi
By Caroline Kahonzi
Locals in Kifyonzo and Kirima cha uha ,kinango constituency,kwale county are living in fear of starvation due to lack of water and food for over two years now following continuous drought experienced in various regions in the country .
The situation is said to have highly affected women and girls who are forced to walk a distance of more than 4 kilometers searching for that important commodity .
Speaking to Hubzmedia at Kifyonzo centre while receiving water relief of 11,000 liters from HURIA a human right organization ,Ms.Nadzua Mwero Mtende said they are forced to walk for 3 to 4 hours getting at the water point in Mwalukombe area or Kinango town .
“We are forced to leave our houses very early in the morning around 3 am each day to reach the water point on time for us to manage two trips. We are really suffering, especially mothers who are breastfeeding ,”Said Ms .Mtende .
Echoing her statement,Mr. Chimbonja Ndaro, pointed fingers at Kwale county leadership for failing to prioritize its citizens in supplying the basic commodity despite having water sources in the area that continue to benefit residents from neighbouring counties .
“Its very painful seeing our resources benefiting people outside this county while indigenous are suffering yet each and every financial year a substantial amount of money is allocated towards water provision ,where are our leaders? ,it’s really hectic seeing people spending upto 400 shillings per day buying water despite the hard economy hitting them already ,”Claimed Mr.Ndaro .
Mwavidzo Gasare Mwavidzo, a resident at Kifyonzo says he has lost part of his livestock due to persistent drought .
“ I lost my livestock following lack of fodder and water , we don’t have food for our families so we are calling upon well-wishers to come distribute water and relief food to us ,we are at risk ,”Lamented Mr.Mwavidzo .
Binti Matano who is living with disability and a mother of a two weeks’ toddler says water scarcity pauses serious challenges to her life and that of her child .
“I’m forced to buy 5 jerricans of water every day, but still it is not enough depending on my needs ,sometimes i am forced to stay between 2 to 3 days without washing my baby due to lack of water especially when my husband doesn’t have money ,my condition cannot allow me to walk a long distance in search of water,” Pleaded Ms.Matano .
Hamza Said Risasi, the Assistant chief Kifyonzo sub-location, noted the drought situation has affected at least 30 percent of students from seven schools in the area leading to absenteeism.
“The schools affected include Kifyonzo ,Vyogato ,Mwalukombe ,Ziya ra dundo ,Mbuluni ,Ndauni and Gombato primary schools ,we are putting efforts as leaders to ensure every child has access to education, but the situation is worse as of now ,I am calling upon the county leadership and well wishers to rescue our people by urgently distributing relief food and water ,”Added Mr.Risasi .
Community Legal affairs officer at Human Right Agenda HURIA ,Alex Ruwa Nziwi says locals will be petition Both the County Assembly and the National Assembly demanding their constitutional right to provision of clean water .
“ HURIA in collaboration with Kinango water users committee will be collecting signatures 1,000 to 5,000 signatures to petition the Kwale County assembly and The National assembly in demanding for our rights ,”Said Mr.Nziwi .
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