Embu County gives 1060 water tanks to public institutions

Embu, Kenya: The county government has started distributing 1,060 water tanks to all public schools, health facilities, polytechnics and open air markets, in a bid to increase number of clean drinking water to people.

The programme dubbed 'Water For Life' will cost Sh102million and will have each institution get two 12,000litres water storage tanks for rain harvesting purposes, before June.

While flagging off the tanks at Kibugu Primary School on Wednesday, Governor Martin Wambora announced they target to harvest at least 20 million litres of water annually.

This is capable of attaining the internationally accepted threshold of at least 20 litres of water per person per day, especially residents in the semi-arid Mbeere region.

Wambora said the county will also construct a mega-dam and several earth dams to enable irrigation in semi-arid areas thus make the county a food basket.

Lands, Water, Environment and Natural Resources Executive Member Dr Jamleck Muturi revealed that the Sh100 million budgeted for water infrastructure in Mbeere region during the 2013/2014 financial year is still on course.

"Pipes have since been laid and the process is underway. The County Government has concrete plans to supply sufficient water for irrigation and farming activities," he said, adding that Mbeti South alone had been allocated Sh36 million.

He advised miraa farmers against irrigating their produce with treated water meant for consumption.

He said it contains chlorine particles that contribute to soil degradation.

Muturi said a project dubbed "Adopt a tree" is under way which will involve all teachers and students plant a tree ao as to beautify the environment and attract rain.

Water Chief Officer Steve Njiru revealed an agreement had been made between the ministry and all the beneficiaries of the tanks to construct a tank stand and gutters that will enable harvesting of rain water during rainy seasons.