Empowering Communities Through Sustainable Water Solutions
In a landmark development for Mituvu residents in Makueni County, Kenya, access to clean water for domestic use has been dramatically improved, thanks to the Betika Na Community Foundation. The foundation, the social investment arm of Betika, recently completed the drilling of a borehole yielding 14 cubic meters of water. This initiative, costing over 10 million Kenyan shillings, underscores Betika’s commitment to supporting vulnerable communities across Kenya.
The newly installed borehole is equipped with solar panels to facilitate water extraction and distribution sustainably. This infrastructure alleviates the previous hardship endured by community members, especially women and schoolchildren, who had to travel long distances and pay high costs for unreliable water sources.
Makueni County, categorized as arid and semi-arid, faces significant challenges with rainfall shortages, exacerbating the difficulty of accessing clean water. A UNICEF report highlights that nearly half of rural Kenyans lack basic water services, relying on unsafe surface water for daily needs.
Speaking at the borehole’s launch, Mutua Mutava, Managing Director of Betika, expressed pride in the project’s potential to enhance community livelihoods. He emphasized the essential nature of clean water and highlighted the project’s role in advancing sustainable and equitable development. Mutava also reaffirmed Betika’s commitment to collaborating with county governments and development partners to tackle water scarcity through investments and infrastructure improvements.
Chief James Juma of Mituvu expressed gratitude for the transformative impact of the borehole, which now serves local schools, healthcare facilities, and the broader community. Dr. Jane Makau, Chairperson of BCLB, echoed appreciation for Betika’s initiative, emphasizing the importance of sustainable development and urging other corporates to emulate such community-centered initiatives nationwide.
The installation of solar panels ensures reliable water supply, even in areas with limited access to electricity, promising sustained benefits for Mituvu residents.
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