This archive report was first published on 6 June 2020.
Published on June 6, 2020, a Ksh143 million water project in Laikipia County's Solio Settlement scheme is nearing completion, set to benefit over 25,000 residents.
Residents who have been drinking salty water from boreholes for years are excited about the project, calling it a blessing.
Over 1,500 families were resettled at the scheme in 2009 after they were evicted by the Government from the Aberdares and Mt Kenya.
Laikipia County Governor Ndiritu Muriithi launched the project in April last year, in partnership with the Water Sector Trust Fund (WSTF).
The major pipeline from Honi River in the Aberdares was completed early this year, and piping is now ongoing.
Residents expressed their satisfaction, noting that they have suffered a lot while relying on inadequate borehole water.
Esther Wangui said the borehole water has a high level of fluoride, affecting their children's teeth, which have turned brown gradually.
Mary Wanjiru said the cost of water will now go down, adding that they will have enough for their families and animals.
According to Governor Muriithi, the Solio Water project will provide a platform for residents to use water to sustain themselves economically by growing fodder for their livestock and improving their kitchen gardens.
