Kitui benefits from government in water projects- CS Malonza

EAC, ASALs and Regional Development CS Peninah Malonza said KSh2 billion will be spend to revive the multi-million Umaa dam which stalled in 2011.

Malonza said the dam situated some 20km from Kitui town and which stands at 33metres high is estimated to have a capacity of 2,500 cubic meters per day of water to residents once completed.

Speaking at Tulia Africa Inland Church in Kitui West, Malonza said already a new contractor; China Jiangxi International Corporation has begun works at Umaa dam under supervision by the National Water Harvesting and Storage Authority.

“Kenya Kwanza is focused on development projects in Kitui in particular and the country at large. We will not be distracted by noise by some detractors out to derail President Ruto’s development agenda to Kenyans,” the CS said.

Accompanied by Kitui West MP Edith Nyenze, former Kitui Rural MP Charles Nyamai and Mutonguni MCA Benjamin Mulandi alias Kiluma, the CS said the government is also implementing a 50 km high grand falls multi-purpose dam in Mwingi region.

“This high grand falls multi-purpose dam is the largest dam in Africa. It stretches from the Tana River County up to the Kitui and Tharaka Nithi Counties,” Malonza added.

Further she said other funds have been released for the renovations of the Ithookwe, Mutomo and Kyuso airstrips in the expansive semi-arid county.

Malonza said other 11 social dams will be constructed in the county while Sh461 million will be utilised in repairs and construction of roads in the county.

She further revealed that the Thwake dam whose 70 per cent of its construction works is complete adding that as Tourism CS she opened the Tsavo East National Park’s gate.

The CS said she would not be distracted or slowed down by critics within and outside Kalonzo Musyoka-led Wiper party.

Malonza said she was aware that some leaders in the county had orchestrated and coordinated destructive politics which she said had no place in improving people’s livelihoods.

The CS said she would not be scared or intimidated by members of National Assembly or those out to derail her service delivery in her Ministry.

“Some MPs and other bent politicians want to derail my ministerial appointment by inciting people to reject relief food. But I want to tell them they are misplaced. I won’t listen to background noise,” Malonza said urging for respect, mutual understanding and tolerance among leaders across the political divide in Kitui and Ukambani at large.

She further wooed the Kamba community to wholly support her and President William Ruto’s administration going forward, assuring them of Ruto’s commitment in developing all areas irrespective of their voting pattern.

The CS urged county leaders to back an initiative to have a harmonious and productive working relationship with Kenya Kwanza for the benefit of residents.

“As leaders we have one common goal to steer forward the county’s and country’s social and economic agenda. We have values to lead the county into prosperity including opening consultative forums with President Ruto-led administration to initiate projects geared to helping the semi-arid region to rise from poverty, neglect, hopelessness and write a new chapter in people’s lives,” Malonza said. 

She said if leaders worked together regardless of political inclinations, they would foster national unity, spur socio-political and economic development, especially at this time when the country is faced with drought and economic hardships.