Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti and her Kitui counterpart Julius Malombe have moved to end the longstanding wrangling between communities from the two counties over the use of water from the Masinga reservoir.

On Thursday, the two leaders unveiled an ad hoc committee comprising senior officials drawn from the two counties that will explore the existing gaps in the utilization of the water resource and draw up a fair and equitable formula regarding the consumption of Masinga water.

The two neighboring counties have been engrossed in a time-honored dispute over the utilization of Masinga dam water, with residents within Machakos crying foul over Kitui county’s perceived domination of the control of the critical resource.

Addressing the media in Machakos while unveiling the ad hoc committee, Governor Wavinya noted that Masinga dam was a national resource whose benefit should also extend to the neighboring county in the spirit of the South Eastern Kenya Economic Bloc.

“Dr Malombe and I have met with our delegation drawn from the water departments to deliberate on how to utilize water from Masinga dam to ensure both counties benefit. During the inaugural meeting, both parties have agreed to work harmoniously to serve the residents,” Governor Wavinya said.

The Machakos county boss added that the ad hoc committee will offer solutions to the existing conflict between communities from the two neighboring counties by ensuring fair and just utilization of the natural resource.

Dr Malombe echoed Wavinya’s sentiments, saying that the two governments had reached a consensus to involve technical experts and advisors in order to craft an acceptable mechanism in the utilization of Masinga dam water resource.

“The ad hoc committee has been tasked with specific terms of reference including developing short term, medium term and long term plans to deal with the task. Water executives from the two counties will be the conveners of the committee with the backing of chief officers and technical advisors,” said Malombe.

At the same time, Machakos deputy governor, Francis Mwangangi lauded the two county chiefs, terming their move timely and patriotic. “It is a great thing for our leaders to come together and offer solutions to some of the challenges that are cross cutting. Unity of purpose is very important. We are happy that our governors are united in providing solutions to such challenges,” said Mwangangi.