By Paul Gitau
An acute water shortage has hit Malindi District.
More than ten dams and boreholes have dried up and residents now depend on three.
As a result, they walk for long distances in search of water.
A number of schools risk closure for lack of water and the situation could interfere with the Government’s school-feeding programme.
Most primary school teachers confirm receiving food for the programme, but lament a water shortage.
East African Community Minister Amason Kingi said the situation was expected to get worse following prolonged drought.
Mr Kingi, who is also the Magarini MP, distributed food and mineral water to the most affected on Tuesday.
"The acute water shortage has made the famine situation worse and hungry residents trek for at least 15km in search of water," he said.
He said the Government has disbursed Sh10 million to build a pipeline from the Baricho water point.
He disclosed that the Malindi Water and Sewerage Company was seeking Sh180 million from the World Bank for water projects.