The Kisii County Government has embarked on distribution of water tanks to public institutions in a project aimed at promoting rainwater harvesting.
In the programme, one institution in each of the 45 wards will receive a 10,000-litre capacity water tank to help address water supply challenges.
On Thursday, County Executive Committee Member (CEC) for Energy, Water and Natural Resources Dr Skitter Ocharo launched the exercise in Kisii Town by flagging off water tanks for learning institutions in Nyaribari Masaba.
Dr Skitter reiterated the County Government’s commitment to avail safe drinking water to all adding the department will distribute more tanks in the next financial.
“With proper planning, harvesting and storage, rainwater can greatly supplement piped water. In the long run we will give all deserving public institutions a tank. Receiving heads will closely work with water officers to ensure they are properly installed,” she said.
Dr Skitter who was accompanied by his Chief Officer Zablon Ongori regretted that students in some schools spent more time searching for the precious commodity at the expense of class work.
Members of County Assembly (MCAs, heads of the learning institutions and members of Board of Management in Nyaribari Masaba attended the function.
Dr Ocharo further announced that her department had embarked on construction of new water schemes and revival of stalled ones adding that the County will drill boreholes in public institutions across all 45 wards.
Bobasi Boitangare ward representative Hon. Bilancio Maturwe who chairs the County Assembly’s Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Committee asked schools in the county to help sensitize locals on the effects of blue gum trees through environmental clubs.
Masabo Secondary Principal Evans Nyantari thanked the county government for the initiative adding that students use valuable class time to travel long distances in search of water.
Despite receiving heavy rains throughout the year, Kisii County faces water supply challenges hence the need to encourage rainwater harvesting to supplement existing sources.
