Kitui Governor Dr. Julius Malombe (EGH) today welcomed a high-level delegation from the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA), spearheaded by CEO Mr. Hared Adan, to assess progress on the transformative Mwania Maongoa Sand Dam project. Set against the stark backdrop of Kitui’s prolonged water scarcity, the initiative stands as a cornerstone of the county’s ambitious Integrated Development Plan (CIDP) 2023–2027, which targets the construction of 2,400 sand and sub-surface dams. This particular dam is more than a structure it is a lifeline, designed to bring clean water within reach and drastically cut the long, exhausting treks that define daily life for thousands of rural residents.
Picture: Governor Dr. Julius Malombe
The Mwania Maongoa Sand Dam, a joint effort between the NDMA, Kitui County Government, and the local community, is poised to deliver tangible, life-changing benefits. Over 2,000 households will gain access to clean water, with 58 homes receiving direct pipeline connections. Schools, a health facility, churches, and even an estimated 5,000 livestock will benefit from this strategic intervention. The ripple effect of accessible water stretches far beyond hydration improving public health, boosting educational attendance, and unlocking agricultural potential. In a region where climate shocks are intensifying, this initiative is not just a water project it is a climate resilience blueprint.
Picture: Dg Kanani(left) and Water CECM Nkunda (right)Picture: minister of water CO VungoPicture: CECM Agriculture Mbaya Kimwele.
But beyond infrastructure, the heart of this project lies in sustainability and empowerment. With a robust framework that includes training for project management committees, governance capacity-building, and community-led environmental enterprises, the sand dam is becoming a catalyst for grassroots transformation. Women and youth are being mobilized into green enterprises, tree nurseries are sprouting across the area, and school-based initiatives such as 4K Clubs and kitchen gardens are sowing the seeds of environmental stewardship in the next generation. With its official launch slated for August 2025, the Mwania Maongoa Sand Dam project is more than a promise it’s a powerful testament to what visionary planning and united purpose can achieve in the face of adversity.
