Sh98.5 million water project saves Bunda residents from crocodile-infested lake

Residents of Mwiseni village in Bunda, Mara region, are celebrating the completion of a Sh98.5 million water project that liberates them from the perilous task of collecting water from Lake Victoria. For years, the community lived in fear, forced to brave crocodile-infested waters for their daily needs, a situation that resulted in numerous injuries and even deaths.

“

There's no way to live without water. So, despite the challenge of being killed or injured by crocodiles, we had no choice, we just had to go to the lake.

"There's no way to live without water. So, despite the challenge of being killed or injured by crocodiles, we had no choice, we just had to go to the lake," said Nyakwesi Mujungu, a resident. The new project, funded by the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (Ruwasa), features a borehole capable of producing 8,000 liters per hour and a 100,000-liter water tank. This infrastructure aims to provide a safe and reliable water source for over 1,200 people in Mwiseni and surrounding areas.

Michael Majura, another resident, described the project as a "savior" for current and future generations, highlighting the frequent attacks that endangered women and children. However, he urged the government to extend the water distribution network and add more tanks to bring the service closer to more households. Currently, water is accessible from a single point, prompting the request for increased infrastructure to ensure wider coverage.

“

As you know, our area has many crocodiles in the lake. Many children and women have been injured and lost their lives while fetching water. We are grateful for this project.

The project was officially launched during the Uhuru Torch race, a national event. Kasheku Malando, the Bunda District Manager for Ruwasa, reported that the project is 100% complete. Plans are underway to install a second 100,000-liter tank at a local school to further improve water accessibility.

“

This project involved drilling a well with a capacity of 8,000 liters per hour, and currently, we have one tank of 100,000 liters. We plan to add another tank of the same capacity and place it at the school to bring water closer to many areas.