Residents of Kariru village in Gichugu, Kirinyaga County will benefit from a storm water drainage system that will help address perennial flooding in the area.
The initiative by Governor Anne Waiguru will help reclaim about 17 acres of farm land that had been turned into a seasonal pond.
For the last ten years, the pond has been destroying coffee and tea bushes which are the source of livelihood for the community.
Acting County Executive Committee (CEC) Member for Roads, Transport and Public Works, Jared Migwi supervised the excavation of a kilometre long trench that will be used to drain the water to a nearby river.
Migwi said 150 families had been affected by the seasonal storm water pond.
“We have responded to the cry of the people of this area. We want to make sure that this area does not flood again and the land is put into use again,” he said.
Migwi said the project is being undertaken directly by the county government.
It involves digging a one and half meter deep trench that will be used to empty the storm water into the river.
He said the pond has been a breeding ground for mosquitoes whenever it rains.
Residents lauded the initiative by the county government saying the drainage system will help end flooding in their farms.
“This trench will now help us to put our land into productive use. When it rains this place is a nightmare, the roads are impassable and we have to walk long distances to get to the trading centre, to church or school for our children,” said John Muthike, a farmer whose coffee stems were washed away by the floods.
Muthike, a retired teacher blamed the rise in flooding in the area to climate change.
Another resident Damaris Wamunyu said since the area started flooding some ten years ago, it has witnessed a rise in cases of malaria.
This results in many children being absent from school and increases spending on healthcare.
“We are happy that this area will not flood again, it has been the breeding ground for mosquitoes which cause malaria,” she added.
Evans Kageri, a farm hand in the area said he will use water flowing through the trench to engage in horticulture.
