Kiambu County government has initiated a series of projects to alleviate the biting water shortage crisis.
Residents of Kiambu Sub-County are facing an acute water shortage since the existing water sources from Kamiti River and Riara River have proved insufficient to meet the growing demand.
The situation has prompted the county authorities to implement various projects aimed at improving water access for the affected population.
Acknowledging the challenges, County Water Officer Isaac Kiragu said, “We are aware of the water shortage concerns in Kiambu Sub-County, and the county government is actively working on initiatives to address the situation promptly.”
To alleviate the shortage, the county has launched projects to provide water storage tanks in key locations across the sub-county; the tanks will serve as reservoirs to store water during periods of scarcity, ensuring a more consistent supply to residents.
Local authorities have implemented innovative water conservation measures around Kamiti River known as “marking and pegging”.
The marking and pegging initiatives involve identifying specific water access points along the river and then marking these areas for controlled and sustainable usage.
“This method helps prevent over-extraction of water and promotes a more equitable distribution among the community. Once we are done with Kamiti River our next focus is on Riara River,” Kiragu said.
Residents are encouraged to respect these marked areas and adhere to the guidelines set by the county government.
In addition, Kiragu said efforts are underway to construct community toilets to improve sanitation facilities, promote better hygiene practices and reduce the strain on available water resources.
“The toilet at the bus park has been repaired ready for use and the toilet at Riabai is under construction,” stated Kiragu.
However, the implementation of these projects has not been without hurdles. The high cost of electricity required for borehole pumping has strained the county’s budget, posing a financial challenge to sustain these essential services.
“The high cost of electricity needed for borehole pumping is due to low water levels in the boreholes but we are working on it as well,” he noted.
County officials are also grappling with the issue of illegal water connections exacerbating the scarcity problem. Authorities are intensifying efforts to curb these unauthorized connections, emphasizing the need for a fair distribution of the available water resources.
As the community becomes more aware of the importance of water conservation, the initiatives serve as a practical step towards achieving a balance between meeting the immediate water needs of the population and preserving the natural water sources in Kiambu Sub-County.
By Ashley Ogolla
