By Michael Oduor
A biting water shortage has hit Taita Taveta University in the semi-arid Taita Taveta County.
Taita Taveta University Vice Chancellor Prof. Fred Simiyu said the university has been experiencing water shortages for a long time since they have been depending on the drilled water, which at times gets dry due to the varying level of water table in different seasons of the year.
He also added that the university has gone an extra mile and that there is hope for the university fraternity following that piped water is being laid down from Mzima Spring in Tsavo National Park to the institution.
“The water shortage in this University has been a challenge for a long time. We’ve been depending on drilled water but this could not address all our needs due to the varying water table level which made us lack water at some points. There is hope now that pipes are being laid down and soon we will be having the solution to the water challenge in this institution, said Simiyu.
Speaking during the recent graduation ceremony, the Principal Secretary, State Department for University Education and Research Ambassador Simon Nabukwesi congratulated the University for ensuring that the environment in the institution is welcoming despite the water challenges being faced.
He urged the community around the university to emulate the activities of the university and even go to the institution for consultation to ensure that they get information concerning the planting of drought resistant trees.
“I appeal to the community around to come and see what the University has done, consult and participate in the transformation process by planting drought resistant trees which will help in the creation of microclimate in the region,” said Nabukwesi.
