Acting Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Water, Irrigation and Sanitation James Macharia has conducted an inspection of the Chogoria Water Supply project in Tharaka Nithi County to ensure it’s ready for commissioning and use by locals.
The project which lies near Mt. Kenya forest in Maara Sub County will benefit around 160,000 people in Tharaka Nithi.
The project is an African Development Bank (AfDB) and Government of Kenya funded project under the Kenya Towns Sustainable Water Supply and Sanitation Programme and draws its water from Maara Manyi River which is then filtered and treated for use.
Speaking during the inspection of the Project, Macharia said that the water project is 92 per cent complete and is expected to be commissioned in June.
“When we were told the project is 92 per cent complete, we had to come and confirm so we can start preparing for the commissioning” he said. “This is also to ensure the reports we are given are accurate,” he added.
The CS noted that it was also important to inspect the project in order to ensure that it is completed quickly and in due time.
Macharia disclosed that the project is meant to provide locals with clean water adding that it is a big factor to consider in terms of health.
“We want to make sure the people in Maara Sub County have clean water, if an area doesn’t have clean water then there is a big problem,” he said.
The CS acknowledged that the government has allocated a lot of money to ensure citizens enjoy clean water, good roads and electricity.
He assured that they will ensure the projects are going on well and contractors have no emerging problems so that residents can benefit as soon as possible.
“It is our duty as government workers to ensure projects are going on well and contractors have no problem,” noted the CS.
He commended the team led by CEO Tana Water Works Development Agency Eng. Philip Gichuki among other government officials for the work done in completing the project in time, adding that soon the residents will enjoy constant supply of clean water.
By Sharon Gitau
