Residents of Gaturi division in Murang’a County have breathed a sigh of relief after the national government completed a major water project meant to provide clean and safe water for domestic use.
Gatango water project which draws water from Aberdare forests is complete and connection of pipes linking homesteads is on course.
The project which has been implemented within a period of three years will enable more than 20, 000 homesteads to access piped water for the first time since independence.
Water Principal Secretary Irungu Wairagu said they have installed water kiosks to enable residents get water before the exercise of laying the pipes is complete.
Wairagu added that the project will ensure residents of Gaturi, which receives minimal rainfall, have constant water supply saying there is plenty of water from the source.
“Water to the residents is drawn from Kairo storage tank and there is also another tank in Gaturi which will ensure there is a steady supply of the commodity,” Irungu said at the Gaitheri area.
The PS further said that water will also be provided at local market centres to improve sanitation and also help people operating businesses access clean water.
“Gaturi and Ithanga areas of Murang’a County have been experiencing water shortages but the government is committed to provide clean water not only to the two areas but also other parts of the county,” added Wairagu.
Connection of water pipes to local homes will be undertaken by a local water firm, Gatamathi Water and Sanitation Company and the exercise is expected to be complete by the end of this year.
The PS further said that the area is also slated to benefit from a Sh500 million irrigation project.
The project will enable more than 1,000 families especially from Mukurwe wa Nyagathanga location to engage in irrigation farming.
Speaking during the same occasion, Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro said local residents have been delighted that the project will relieve them of the challenges of sourcing water from rivers.
“It’s a great time for the people of Gaturi as they have been struggling to fetch water from rivers which are far. Some of the water sources are not clean thus exposing the locals to the risk of contracting water borne diseases,” Ndindi said.
The legislator said the water will also support operations of Kiharu Technical Training College which is under construction.
He observed that water shortages in the area has been used by individuals seeking leadership positions in the past to win votes through empty promises and thanked the government for fully implementing the water project.
Area MCA, Esther Mwihaki promised to follow up to ensure all households get tapped water.
She said her office will also lobby for homesteads of the elderly and the persons living with disabilities to get first priority in water connections.
By Bernard Munyao
