Kibwezi West proposesmore water budget for dry areas

By Robert Mutasi

Member of Parliament for Kibwezi West Mwengi Mutuse has filed a motion seeking more water budget for arid and semi-arid areas.

Mutuse wants an affirmative action plan for provision of water in arid and semi-arid areas to be taken.

He argued that everyone has the right to access clean, safe and adequate water for all citizens as stated in the constitution.

Speaking in the National Parliament,Mutuse added that the provision of adequate water will help to solve the food security problems.

In addition,the politician stated that the plan will enhance the conservation of the environment that suits human and animal life.

"Further awareness that access to water guarantees human and animal health, food security, a clean and sustainable environment among other socioeconomic drivers,"said MP Mutuse.

According to Mutuse,with a population of 53 million people, about 28 million Kenyans lack access to safe water.

"41 million people lack access to improved sanitation," he added.

The lawmaker claimed that climate change has contributed to the scarcity of water leading to the rising water demand in the country.

Mutuse said that the available water in the dry areas is not clean and most of them are exposed to pollution thus unsafe to human and animal health.

He further noted that the scarcity of water is due to poor management of water by particular authority.

“Noting that the lack of clean, safe and adequate water affects economic activities, food security, education, health and that it also affects and its effects are especially evident in rural areas and urban slums,"admitted MP.

He noted that some parts of the country are experiencing recurring droughts which are causing death of animals and loss of people’s lives.

Mutuse urged the national government through the State Department of Water and Irrigation to institutionalize rain water harvesting and storage in the country and particularly in arid and semi-arid areas through developing an affirmative action program for investment in water harvesting.