Wundanyi Member of Parliament (MP) Danson Mwashako has launched a scathing attack on local leaders allied to the United Democratic Alliance (Alliance) and the broad-based government, accusing them of failing to lobby for the implementation of the multi-billion-shilling Mzima 2 water project.
Speaking during an exclusive interview with Sifa FM, Mwashako, who is serving his second term in the National Assembly, stated that leaders close to President William Ruto and the Kenya Kwanza administration have enough leverage to ensure the national government fulfills its promise of clean and safe water to the residents of Taita Taveta County and the wider Coast region. Mwashako noted, that despite their proximity to power, local ruling-class politicians have failed to push for the realization of this vital project.
“My colleagues in the UDA party constantly tell us they are working on development, but they have failed to prioritize the water crisis,” Mwashako said.
The MP said that despite Taita Taveta County being resource-rich, local communities continue to grapple with severe water shortages for domestic use, livestock, and agriculture.
According to the lawmaker, President William Ruto made a solemn promise during his 2022 campaign trail and within his manifesto to prioritize the Mzima 2 water project.
“When the President was seeking our votes, he promised us Mzima 2 water, but to date, nothing has been done. I urge our leaders, especially those close to the administration, to put pressure on the government to execute this project,” Mwashako urged.
He emphasized that while residents appreciate other national government initiatives such as the construction of markets and affordable housing schemes,water remains the ultimate priority. Resolving the water crisis, he argued, would automatically solve a myriad of other socio-economic challenges, including persistent resource-based conflicts within local communities.
The lawmaker, who has already declared his interest in the Taita Taveta gubernatorial seat, did not spare the county government either. He criticized the county executive for failing to allocate sufficient funds in its budget to address the water crisis.
Mwashako challenged the county leadership to proactively seek alternative solutions, including forging strategic partnerships with national and international donors to mitigate the shortage, rather than entirely relying on the national government’s Mzima 2 project.
“Why can’t the county government prioritize the water problem by dedicating adequate funds in its budget?” Mwashako questioned, pointing out that the biggest leadership failure in the county lies in the inability to protect, properly utilize local resources, and effectively prioritize community needs.
