Governor Mwadime Pledges to End Water Politics in Taita Taveta as Major Infrastructure Upgrades Progress

By Feddy Madebe

Governor Andrew Mwadime has declared an end to what he termed “water politics” in Taita Taveta County, announcing a comprehensive policy shift aimed at ensuring equitable water access for all residents as major pump station upgrades near completion.

In a Facebook post on Tuesday, December 24, the county chief stated that his administration has adopted a firm stance on water distribution, emphasizing that the essential commodity will be provided uniformly across the county without political considerations.

“Maisha ya wananchi wa Taita Taveta yanaendelea kuimarishwa. Nimeamua kukomesha kabisa siasa za maji kama sera—mara moja na kwa wote (The lives of Taita Taveta residents continue to be strengthened. I have decided to completely end water politics as policy—once and for all),” Governor Mwadime declared, signaling a departure from previous practices that residents claim favored certain areas over others.

The governor’s statement comes as ongoing upgrades at the Njoro Kubwa pump station are expected to transform water supply in Taveta town, potentially setting the area on a trajectory toward economic growth by resolving persistent water shortages that have plagued the region for years.

Infrastructure Transformation Underway

Despite having adequate water sources, Taveta has struggled with unreliable supply due to deteriorating infrastructure that has exceeded its operational lifespan. The aging systems have been characterized by frequent mechanical failures and persistent shortages that have hindered both household consumption and commercial activity.

The comprehensive upgrade project involves replacing obsolete equipment and installing modern pumping systems, which officials say will significantly enhance operational efficiency and expand water supply capacity throughout the town.

County Executive Committee Member for Water, Sanitation, Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources, Grantone Mwandawiro, confirmed that the initiative is being executed by Tavevo Water and Sewerage Company Limited, with China International Water & Electric Corporation serving as the primary contractor.

“This is the largest water source for Taveta. In the past, residents had water sources but lacked a reliable supply. This project is addressing that gap,” Mwandawiro explained during a recent site inspection at the Njoro Pump Station.

Dramatic Capacity Increase Expected

According to technical specifications, the upgraded pumps are projected to increase daily water output from approximately 1,700 cubic meters—roughly 1.7 million liters—to between three and four times that volume. This substantial capacity enhancement is designed to ensure consistent household supply while supporting commercial and industrial growth in the region.

Tavevo Managing Director Benson Mwanigol acknowledged that outdated pumping infrastructure had severely compromised service delivery due to operational inefficiencies and recurring breakdowns that left residents without water for extended periods.

Technical Manager and project coordinator Jason Mwasicho provided an update indicating that construction works have reached 78 percent completion, with expectations that the facility will be fully operational by the end of December, delivering long-awaited relief to residents who have endured chronic water shortages.

Comprehensive County-Wide Initiative

The Njoro Kubwa pump station upgrade forms part of a broader Water and Sanitation Development Project (WSDP) initiative designed to improve water and sanitation services across multiple areas including Taveta, Voi, Mwatate, and Wundanyi.

The county-wide program encompasses pipeline upgrades and the replacement of inefficient low-lift and high-lift pumps throughout the water distribution network.

The project is being implemented under the Water and Sanitation Development Project framework, with support from the national government through the Ministry of Water, in partnership with the World Bank and the Taita Taveta County Government.

This initiative aligns directly with Governor Mwadime’s manifesto commitments, in which he pledged to expand access to clean and reliable water supplies throughout the county, addressing what has been identified as one of the most critical infrastructure deficits affecting residents’ quality of life.

Political Commitment to Equity

Governor Mwadime’s Christmas Eve declaration to eliminate “water politics” represents a significant policy statement in a county where water access has historically been a contentious political issue. His administration’s “once and for all” approach suggests a commitment to depoliticizing essential service delivery and ensuring that water distribution is based on need rather than political considerations.

Local residents have expressed cautious optimism about the governor’s pronouncement, hoping it will translate into consistent water supply regardless of political affiliations or geographic location within the county.

The completion of the Njoro Kubwa pump station upgrade is anticipated to serve as a model for similar infrastructure improvements across other water-stressed areas in Taita Taveta County, potentially marking a turning point in the region’s long-standing struggle with water security.

As December draws to a close, residents await the commissioning of the upgraded facility, which represents not only a technical achievement but also a test of the governor’s commitment to equitable service delivery across the county.

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