Water shortage in Yambila, Kitui East solved after Mozzart Bet launches borehole
Reading Time: 5min | Sat. 01.06.24. | 15:10
For context, pupils studying at the institution, which is tucked more than 100 kilometers from Kitui town, would cover more than five kilometers to Mutenyeko water point to fill their jerrycans before heading to school
There was everything to celebrate for members of the Yambila community in the sun-baked Endau/Malalani area in Kitui East after the leading gaming firm, Mozzart Bet, solved their perennial water challenge after launching a borehole on Friday, May 31.
Sunk at Yambila Primary School, an institution that gained attention for all the wrong reasons two years ago, the borehole was handed over to the community in a colorful event that marked the end of prolonged suffering in search of the most basic commodity in life—water.
For context, pupils studying at the institution, which is tucked more than 100 kilometers from Kitui town, would cover more than five kilometers to Mutenyeko water point to fill their jerrycans before heading to school.
Locals, who struggled to contain their joy after the taps from the newly-installed borehole and tank dropped the most precious commodity, revealed that a 20-liter jerry can at Mutenyeko goes for ten shillings, which they can barely afford.
The project is part of Mozzart Bet's 'Action 100 Wells' program, which seeks to lend a helping hand to communities in their bids to access clean drinking water for major domestic use.
The borehole is fully solar-powered and discharges four cubic litres per hour
Besides the borehole, Mozzart Bet donated shoes, school bags, sanitary towels, and essential food items such as wheat flour, rice, beans, sugar, cooking oil, and green grams, among others.
The company's Country Manager, Sasa Krneta, led a battery of officials from the county and national government, the Betting and Licensing Control Board (BCLB), and the Association of Gaming Operators in Kenya (AGOK) in handing the borehole to the community.
Krneta couldn't help but reflect on a viral video clip and newspaper headlines that aptly captured the sorry state of the infrastructure at the school and the scarcity of water.
He said it was after getting wind of the situation on the ground that Mozzart Bet, in collaboration with BCLB, sought to make a difference in the lives of the young learners and the community by sinking a borehole, the 14th, under the 'Action 100 Wells' program.
"When the TV news that showed the sad situation that the students had to endure in Yambila Primary School reached me, I could not help but think about how Mozzart Bet could provide support for the status of students and teachers. That news captured the harsh conditions students had to endure in their pursuit of education, and it touched my heart in a way I could not explain," he recalled.
"As the leader of a socially responsible organization, I sought to be remembered as a change initiator and solution provider at Yambila Primary School. Through my Mozzart Bet office and in collaboration with the Gambling Control and Licensing Board (BCLB), we contacted the management of this school to identify the core areas that needed attention and urgent solutions. I am happy that through Mozzart Bet, water scarcity in Yambila is now a thing of the past, “said Krneta, who wowed the crowd after delivering his speech in Kiswahili.
At hand to hail the company for coming to the rescue of Yambila was Director at BCLB Ann Too, who labeled the project a new lease of life for the community.
"We congratulate Mozzart Bet for their excellent corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities. The impact of these projects is there for all to see. I am humbled by the experience and what I have seen here in Yambila. The community here needs more in terms of food and other essential items, and therefore, I call upon the rest to join hands with Mozzart Bet and give back more," said Too, who represented the Board's chairperson Jane Mwikali Makau in absentia.
Laban Chege from AGOK encouraged Mozzart Bet to carry on with the noble job of impacting the lives of Kenyans positively.
“We implore Mozzart Bet to continue with the good job. We have seen the firm touch lives and solve problems in the community,” remarked Chege.
Chege’s sentiments and observations were backed by Frederick Mutinda Mbaisi, the Deputy Director at BCLB.
Considering the poor state of the institution and the challenges faced by crews from various entities in accessing it, especially in crossing the Enziu River, Mbasi urged more corporations to join Mozzart Bet in improving the standards."
“When we got the news of the situation on the ground, our chairperson, out of compassion, instructed me to get in touch with the management of the school. We invited our licensees to help restore dignity at the school, and I am happy Mozzart Bet accepted. We ask our other licensees to pick lessons and join hands with Mozzart Bet, as a lot needs to be done in the school,” said Mbaisi.
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Jeremiah Mbuvi Peter, the school’s head teacher, who spoke on behalf of the institution and community, was full of gratitude upon seeing the water challenge resolved.
“This is an extremely challenging area in terms of social amenities and economics. As a school and a community, we thank Mozzart Bet for the borehole and the other goods they have brought us. For sure, this will relieve the learners, teachers, and parents of the burden and strain of having clean drinking water. We appreciate the support from Mozzart Bet, the county and national governments, and other well-wishers,” he said.
He revealed that the school has a total of 60 learners (32 boys and 28 girls) with eight teachers.
The school was started in 2013 and was fully registered by the Ministry of Education in 2021, four years after the temporary registration.
The Endau Malalani Member of County Assembly (MCA), Dr. Erastus Musyoka Mbuno, and former Assistant Minister Ezekiel Mwikya Mweu were present.
They petitioned the government to help construct more modern classes and ablution blocks.
The school has two permanent structures in ECDE classrooms constructed by the County Government of Kitui.
The rest, including the administration block, are made of mud and are characterized by massive holes and dust.
Meanwhile, Mozzart Bet’s head of Marketing and CSR Frank Okoth Ochieng reiterated the company’s commitment in giving back to the community.
"Community initiates such as action 100 wells are not the core of our business but define our moral DNA as a Corporate Organization that is committed to Socially Responsibility. This borehole marks our 14th well thus far in our efforts to make a difference in communities that are hard hit with water shortages such as this one in Kitui County,” he said.
