Water Crisis in Nambale Sub-County: Residents of Khwilare, Segero, and Maduwa Decry Year-Long Water Shortage

For the past year, residents of Nambale Sub-County in Busia County have been grappling with a severe water shortage that has left many without access to clean, safe, and reliable water. This crisis has not only affected the day-to-day lives of the local population but also raised concerns about the role of local leadership and county government in addressing the basic needs of the people.

The residents, particularly from Khwilare, Segero, and Maduwa, have been vocal about the prolonged water shortage, calling on the Busia County government to address the issue that has severely impacted their lives. With no sign of a solution in sight, their frustration has escalated, leading to public outcry and increasing tension within the community.

The Source of the Water Crisis

The crisis in Nambale stems from the breakdown of a communal water point located at Khwilare Primary School, which was the primary source of clean water for many residents in the area. The pump, which became defective in September last year, has remained dysfunctional ever since, plunging the residents into a daily struggle for access to water. According to the locals, repeated efforts to contact the county government for repairs have been in vain.

Clatus Idiama, Leonard Murwayi, Humphrey Makacha, and Patrick Okumu Outa, who have been at the forefront of this advocacy, have been working tirelessly to bring attention to the plight of the local population. “The pump became defective in September last year. It has not been repaired to date,” they lamented in an interview with Citizen Digital.

The communal water point at Khwilare Primary School, before breaking down, served hundreds of households within Khwilare, Segero, and Maduwa. With no immediate backup plan in place, the residents have been forced to resort to alternative water sources, many of which are either unreliable or unsafe for human consumption. This has further exacerbated the situation, creating a potential public health crisis as residents turn to untreated water sources, risking waterborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and dysentery.

The Daily Struggles of Residents

The lack of water in these communities has led to numerous challenges, particularly for women and children, who bear the brunt of fetching water for their families. Women have to wake up as early as 3 a.m. and walk long distances to the nearest water source, often competing with livestock and wildlife for access to water. This daily struggle takes a toll on their health and productivity, while children often miss school as they accompany their mothers on these water-fetching missions.

“I have to walk more than five kilometers every day just to get water,” said a visibly exhausted Mary, a resident of Khwilare. “Even when I manage to get some, it’s barely enough for cooking and drinking. I have to decide between washing clothes and preparing food. It’s a nightmare.”

In Segero and Maduwa, the situation is no different. Households have been forced to buy water from private vendors, whose prices have soared in the wake of the crisis. “We are spending more money on water than on food,” said Leonard Murwayi, another resident. “Water has become a luxury we can barely afford.”

The Economic and Health Impacts

The prolonged water shortage in Nambale has also had significant economic impacts. Farmers, who depend on water for their crops and livestock, have been particularly hard hit. Agricultural activities in the region have slowed down, leading to reduced productivity and income for the local population. The scarcity of water has also increased competition among farmers for the limited available water sources, causing disputes and tensions in the community.

In addition to the economic hardships, the health of the residents is at serious risk. With limited access to clean water, many families have resorted to using contaminated water from rivers and shallow wells, which poses a significant health threat. The outbreak of waterborne diseases is a constant fear among residents, who feel that the county government has neglected their welfare.

“I worry about my children’s health every day,” said Clatus Idiama, one of the local leaders. “We know the water we are using is not safe, but we have no choice. We are asking the government to intervene before it’s too late.”

The Role of the County Government

The responsibility of ensuring access to clean and safe water falls squarely on the shoulders of the county government, which has the mandate to provide essential services to its citizens. However, the residents of Nambale Sub-County feel abandoned, as their pleas for help have fallen on deaf ears. Despite numerous calls to the county administration, there has been no response or action taken to repair the damaged pump at Khwilare Primary School.

The failure to address the water crisis has left the community feeling neglected and frustrated. “We have tried everything—letters, phone calls, even visiting the county offices—but nothing has been done,” said Leonard Murwayi. “It’s like they don’t care about us.”

County officials, when contacted by Citizen Digital, acknowledged the water crisis but cited budgetary constraints and logistical challenges as reasons for the delay in repairs. According to them, efforts are underway to allocate funds for the repair of the water pump, but no specific timeline was provided. This has done little to alleviate the concerns of the residents, who feel that they cannot wait any longer for a solution.

The Way Forward

As the water crisis in Nambale Sub-County continues, there is an urgent need for the county government to take swift action to restore water supply to the affected areas. This should include immediate repairs to the Khwilare Primary School water point and a broader plan to improve water infrastructure in the region.

In the long term, the county government must invest in sustainable water management solutions to prevent such crises from occurring in the future. This could involve the construction of additional boreholes, rainwater harvesting systems, and water treatment facilities to ensure a reliable and safe water supply for all residents.

Community leaders have also called for greater accountability and transparency from the county government, urging them to engage with the local population and involve them in decision-making processes regarding water management.

“We want to be part of the solution,” said Patrick Okumu Outa, one of the local leaders. “The government needs to work with us to find a long-term solution to this problem. We can’t continue living like this.”

Conclusion

The water crisis in Nambale Sub-County is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by rural communities in Kenya when it comes to accessing basic services. The lack of water has not only disrupted the daily lives of residents but also posed serious economic and health risks. It is crucial for the county government to act swiftly and decisively to restore water supply to Khwilare, Segero, and Maduwa, and to prevent such crises from recurring in the future.

The residents of Nambale have made their voices heard, and it is now up to the county leadership to respond with the urgency and commitment that the situation demands. Access to clean and safe water is not a luxury—it is a fundamental human right that every citizen deserves. As the situation continues to worsen, the time for action is now.