Several water projects in Murang’a to be commissioned before mid 2020

Thousands of Murang’a residents will get water connections before mid-2020 after completion of several projects which are currently under implementation.
Four of the projects, being implemented by Athi Water Services Board are almost complete and are expected to be commissioned before March 2020.
One of the projects namely Ichichi, Kiruri and Makomboki community water supply, expected to serve more than 60,000 people in Kandara, Kiharu and Kigumo Sub Counties is at 75 percent completion.
The project, funded by World Bank to the tune of Sh250 million is expected to be commissioned in December 2019.
Pipeline for the water project will cover 45 kilometres and will supply six million litres of clean water on daily basis to Makomboki, Kiruri and Ichichi areas.
An engineer with the Athi Water Services Board, Bonnie Nyandwaro told members of Murang’a County Development Implementation and Coordination Committee (CIDCC) Wednesday that the total investment for the ongoing and completed water projects in the county was Sh4.94 billion.
Additionally, Ithanga water project which is deemed to be the biggest will cost a total of Sh2.4 billion and is being funded by the Belgium Government.
The project which is at 65 percent will supply 10 million litres of water daily to more than 200, 000 people in areas including Ithanga, Nanga, Ngelelyia, Kirathini, Kakuku and Kenyatta farm.
“Intakes of water for the projects are along Thika River and construction of water treatment plant of 10 million litres is almost complete. The project will also involve putting 30-kilometre water distribution pipelines,” added Nyandwaro.
When finally completed, the project will bring great relief to areas that have been experiencing perennial water shortage. It is expected to be commissioned before or by March 2020.
Yet another project, Gatongo Water Supply Project, expected to be commissioned in December 2020, will benefit more than 60, 000 residents in Mathioya and Maragua Constituencies.
The project which is at 85 percent completion, is being funded by World Bank to the tune of Sh220 million and will supply four million litres of water daily to Kairo, Gatwire, Kenol, Makuyu, Ciumbu and Gaturi areas.
All the water projects, Nyandwaro said, once completed will increase water connectivity in the region from the current 38 percent to more than 90 percent.
The projects are being implemented as a way of supporting the people of Murang’a County following the construction of water tunnel, which is earmarked to increase water volume at Ndakaini Dam, the main water reservoir for Nairobi County.
Chair of the CDICC and also the area county commissioner Mohammed Barre appreciated the ongoing water works saying they will save residents from the agony of sourcing for water from unhealthy sources.
“These projects will be of great benefit to local residents who have been forced to get water from unhygienic sources, putting their lives at the risk of contracting water borne diseases,” added Barre.
By Bernard Munyao