Locals in Embu bear brunt of drought as three rivers dry up
A dried up River Thiba. Residents in Embu are forced to cover long distances to search for water after the river dried up. FILE PHOTO | PHOEBE OKALL
What you need to know:
- Rivers Thuci, Thiba and Ena were dependent upon by residents of Evurore, Muminji, Kirie, Kiambere and Makima wards.
- Ms Mutua said farmers living upstream have diverted water to their farms for irrigation.
Three permanent rivers in Mbeere, Embu County, have dried exposing humans and livestock to possible starvation.
Rivers Thuci, Thiba and Ena were dependent upon by residents of Evurore, Muminji, Kirie, Kiambere and Makima wards.
The locals are now forced to walk long distances in search of water.
Crops have already dried.
MCAs Albert Kigoro (Evurore), Ms Peninah Mutua (Makima) and Ms Loise Mbuya (nominated), said the areas had not experienced rainfall since November last year.
Ms Mutua said farmers living upstream have diverted water to their farms for irrigation.
"There are farmers upstream in Don Bosco and Gachuriri who are diverting water to their farms.
"People are relying on some stagnant water at the river bend which is very risky. We are crossing our fingers that an outbreak of waterborne disease does not occur because it would be bad," she said.
National Drought Management Authority Embu County coordinator Tarsilah Birauka had in October 2016 warned that the region would experience low rainfall.
