Residents call for borehole at Kaelo TVC as water

Residents and traders want the government to drill a borehole at Kaelo TVC in Igembe North.
They say persistent water shortages are increasing costs and affecting the institution’s learning environment and daily operations.
The residents have appealed to Water CS Eric Mugaa and MP Julius Taitumu to intervene.

Residents and traders from Igembe North Constituency have appealed to the government to drill a borehole at Kaelo Technical and Vocational College (TVC) to reduce expenses, create a conducive learning environment and improve academic performance.

They said Igembe North faces persistent water shortages, forcing locals to look for alternative sources of water for domestic and irrigation purposes.

Led by Edward Muriki and Ken Musa, they emphasised that Kaelo TVC faces an acute shortage of water despite the institution having enrolled about 1,400 learners.

They are now calling on Water and Sanitation Cabinet Secretary Eric Mugaa and MP Julius Taitumu to intervene by facilitating the drilling of a borehole at the college to resolve the situation, noting that it will pave the way for seamless learning and other activities.

“We are appealing to the government to ensure a borehole is drilled and constructed at Kaelo TVC. We also call on Water and Sanitation CS Eric Mugaa and area MP Julius Taitumu to intervene and ensure the institution has reliable source of water to enable to enable learners and staff benefit. Kaelo TVC is the only TVET in the entire North Imenti constituency. It is also the only Sub county without a river or stream passing through it. The college faces an acute shortage of water despite currently having about 1500 enrolled at the institution with a record 800 learners recruited just recently,” said Muriki.

Residents seek lasting solution

Speaking to the media at Kaelo area, Antuambui Ward in Igembe North Constituency, Muriki insisted that they consulted last week with Kaelo TVC Principal Joseph Kimathi, who informed them of the challenges the institution is facing.

He said the best solution currently is to construct a borehole or simply provide a lasting solution to enable learners to perform their normal duties, including washing clothes, bathing and studying.

Muriki revealed that the institution uses a bowser to transport 10,000 litres of water twice a week at a cost of Sh20,000, noting that the water is used by the trainees, staff and the modern ablution block.

“If the funds are managed diligently on a weekly basis, it will be enough to sink a borehole capable of supplying enough water to the institution and neighboring wards including Ntunene and Amwathi.

Igembe North resident Ken Musa calls for a lasting solution to the acute water shortage affecting residents and the neighbouring Kaelo TVC.

The institution uses a buzzer to transport 10,000 liters of water twice a week at a cost of Sh 20,000. The water is used by the trainees, staff and the modern ablution block,” he said.

A trader and resident, Ken Musa, raised concern over the acute shortage of water at Kaelo and other parts of Igembe North.

He said water is one of the greatest challenges the region faces, with the majority relying on trucks for transportation.

“We depend on trucks that supplies water at very high cost. We appeal to the Government to do anything possible to improve the situation especially at Kaelo TVC. The extra money used to transport should instead be used to resolve water challenges facing the community,” said Musa.