By Albert Mwangeka
Taita Taveta, Kenya: In a groundbreaking move, H.E. Governor Andrew Mwadime – Wakujaa has launched the Taita Taveta Water Point Data and Information System, a digital platform that is set to mapout 931 water points across the county. This initiative is a collaborative effort between the County Government of Taita Taveta and @USAID-STAWI.
Speaking at the Voi Wildlife Lodge, Governor Mwadime highlighted the importance of this digital infrastructure in attracting investors to complete stalled water projects and initiate new ones. “This system will prevent the duplication of efforts by investors,” he said. “It’s a significant step towards fulfilling our manifesto of ensuring water availability for all.”
Governor Mwadime, who also chairs the CoG Committee for Water, Forestry, and Natural Resources Management, has been a vocal advocate for water accessibility.
Robert Kisyula, Chief of Party USAID Kenya – STAWI, expressed his satisfaction with the new system. “We now have a comprehensive understanding of the names, projects, and their statuses,” he said. “This information is crucial for effective project management and decision-making.”
Adding “By harnessing the power of data, we can make informed decisions, allocate resources effectively, and ensure equitable access to clean water for all our residents”.
Bryson Mwambi, Chair of the Water Committee at the County Assembly of Taita Taveta, added that the county is in surplus of water sources and the new information system will aid in proper service delivery.
Sydney Hubbard, a Senior Researcher, described the digital system as a game-changer, stating that its implementation would incorporate data to ensure sustainable water delivery and improved management efficiency.
Annie Feighery, CEO of MWater, underscored the importance of creating an asset management strategy for water resources as a key part of the collaborative efforts.
