The Coast Development Authority (CDA) Intensifies Programmes on Livelihoods, Health during Pandemic

CDA is implementing integrated programmes which cut across issues pertaining to improved livelihoods, sanitation, water, health and nutrition, and HIV/AIDS and has intensified its efforts during the COVID-19 crisis.

CDA’s Managing Director Dr. Mohammed Keinan Hassan says that these challenging times, now more than ever call for an urgent need for the Authority to fulfill its mandate of providing, developing and implementing integrated projects within the entire Coast Region. 

Dr. Keinan said the corona virus pandemic will not stop CDA from meeting the governments’ agenda of increasing water and food security in the country.

He said CDA in consultation with both the private and public sector is on course in ensuring that Coast Region is not lagging behind in terms of development.

Some of the projects being undertaken by the Authority include those that will boost sustainability in water resources, such as the Lake Challa Integrated Water Project and Chakama Smallholder Irrigation Scheme.

Lake Challa, Mzima Springs and Lake Jipe are some of the resources in Taita-Taveta County which if well harnessed stand to lift the living standards of local communities. Taita-Taveta County still grapples with high poverty levels despite being blessed with abundant resources among them the spectacular Mzima Springs as well as Lakes Challa and Jipe whose waters are yet to be fully tapped into.

Local communities have been urging CDA to construct water pans in the area lamenting the non-existence of water pans within Taveta County. During an official visit to Nakuroto Location, the area’s chief Mr. Ben Sadalai said he was impressed by CDA’s efforts to tap Lake Challa’s waters for communal use. Over 600 households will soon benefit from a solar-powered irrigation system via a borehole constructed at the foot of a hill that descends from the side of the Lake. The main road runs by the borehole.

Mr. Sadalai however said he was surprised by the fact that despite possessing numerous water resources the county was blessed with, many locals still had to walk for miles to get water for daily use. 

‘’We have the Lake Challa but  it is under-utilized, and we thank CDA for coming up with a mechanism to tap water from Challa,’’ he said adding that he was gladdened by CDA’s efforts to ensure that the people don’t lack water.

In an interview, the local administrator said lack of water in the area is so severe such that domestic animals are forced to drink water from the springs, causing havoc in the process. He however noted that the county’s water resources have for many years served the needs of Mombasa County, when local communities in Taita-Taveta County have long suffered from insufficient water for domestic and farm use. This has been the case since independence. He urged CDA and other organizations to assist in alleviating the problem.

According to Chief Sadalai, the water problem would also be solved through construction of water pans in Taveta. He acknowledged that CDA had constructed numerous water pans in other counties in the region and requested the Authority to consider the same in Taita-Taveta so as to satisfy the county’s great need for fresh water.

‘’In the past water pans were only reserved  for dry places, but today as a result of climate change water pans are needed in all areas as we cannot rely on rainfall ” Chief Sadalai mused.

He reiterated that efforts should also be made to increase the number of households with roof catchments for tapping rainwater.

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