Water is an essential element for human life. The Constitution of Kenya (2010) declares water supply and sanitation services to be a basic right, with responsibility for the attendant functions being devolved to county governments. This means that counties are directly responsible for ensuring residents have access to clean, safe, and affordable water.
For residents of Lukhuna Village in Mautuma Ward of Lugari Constituency, Kakamega County, however, that has remained a dream for them since their taps ran dry a few years ago.
According to Stephen Banda, who is a Community Health Promoter (CHP), residents who were concerned about their health decided to come together and dig their own spring in order to access safe drinking water for both themselves and their livestock. He adds that they were forced to take matters into their own hands after being abandoned by their local leaders.
“Our leaders have forgotten us completely. During the campaigns, they came here and told us that they will fix this spring but up until now, they have not come back since they won the election. Since the former MCA, Stephen Mulonga, came here, no other leader has come to help us,” said Mr. Banda.
He goes on to explain that the community started experiencing water problems when the water pipes were damaged during the time of Hon. Mulonga. Since then, no leader has taken any action to repair them.
Another resident, a young mother, said that since they do not have access to clean water and fear an outbreak of waterborne diseases, they agreed to use their own money to dig a spring.
The residents also appeal for help from anyone who can assist them in any way.
