The impact of climate change is particularly severe in arid and semi-arid areas. The unpredictable rainfall patterns brought about by climate change result in limited water resources and food shortages.

To support the fight against climate change in Makueni County, KIFFWA and OMITCO are developing a water treatment and distribution project that will supply clean and safe water to at least 92,000 people in the lower eastern counties of Makueni and Machakos. Upon completion this project will not only supply clean water (SDG 6) to the residents of the area but also through stimulation of economic activity help reduce poverty levels (SDG 1), improve agricultural activity and access to food (SDG 2), reduce water borne diseases (SDG3) and reduce the negative impact on the regional climate because of sand harvesting (SDG13).

The County Government of Makueni recently provided a “Letter of No Objection” to the project which is a key step to having the project authorized to begin.

KIFFWA and its partner, OMITCO, look forward to commencing the project and positively impacting the livelihoods of the people of Makueni and Machakos Counties.

UN WATER FACTS

“The current level of WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene) financing is not sufficient to meet SDG targets to achieve universal access to safe and affordable drinking-water, adequate sanitation and hygiene……………..Water is the primary medium through which we will feel the effects of climate change.” UN Water

80% of countries report insufficient financing to meet national WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) targets. More than 50% of countries report not receiving enough investment of WASH infrastructure.

By 2050, the number of people at risk of floods will increase from its current level of 1.2 billion to 1.6 billion because of climate change – Above statistics courtesy of UN Water