The national government through the Ministry of water and irrigation has provided water pipes worth Sh. 10 million to Kiarutara/Mwago irrigation project of Gatanga Sub County, Murang’a.
The pipes will facilitate distribution of water to 12 villages in upper parts of Gatanga Sub County to promote irrigation farming.
When visiting the project over the weekend, Irrigation Principal Secretary Ephantus Kimotho lauded the project that was established in 2010 saying it has boosted food security in the area.
The water pipes, he noted, will replace those dilapidated and also extend the area covered by the project.
Kimotho asked the leadership of the project to install water meters so as to ensure the water is used prudently and for the specific purpose.
“It’s a commendable project which has survived a myriad of challenges and the government is committed to support such projects across the country in efforts to boost irrigation farming.
“I urge the leaders of this project to consider having meters to levy reasonable amounts so as to ensure farmers use the water prudently and enable the project to get some revenue to cater for cost of production,” said Kimotho at Ragia village.
The project sits on 11.5 square kilometer area with a population of 11,000 people, and metering of the water dictates charges of Sh. 250 for 0-5 cubic meters and an extra cubic meter at a rate of Sh.30.
Currently, the project produces 1,300 cubic meters per day. In 2019 there was sedimentation of the water flow and through the government’s support the members received pipes to upgrade the project downwards.
The water which is tapped at Ragia and Kimakia rivers has enabled the members to grow avocado, tomatoes, upland arrow roots and keep dairy cows and pigs.
According to the chairman of the project Afro Ngaruiya, the management had installed some water meters however there were increased theft cases of the meters saying the crime was minimized by a pipe locator which helps detect illegal connections.
On his part, Gatanga MP Edward Muriu lauded the project saying with the government support, the locals will increase their agricultural productivity.
Muriu called on the government to initiate more water projects in the sub county and complete those ongoing as an appreciation to locals for water drawn at Ndakaini dam and taken to Nairobi.
“Gatanga people don’t benefit from the water at Ndakaini dam. The water is taken to Nairobi and its environment and we urge the government to consider implementing more projects locally to support our people,” he stated.
Responding to Muriu’s grievances, Chief Executive Officer of Athi Water Development Works Agency Eng. Joseph Kamau said they are already connecting water for Gatanga residents through the main water pipe from Ndakaini dam at Kigoro water treatment plant, where 10 million liters will be produced daily to areas including Ndunyu Chege, Thika Greens, Githingiri and Ithanga
He added, “Another main water pipe will be tapped at Chomo area and its water be distributed to Chania, Mabae, Kigio and Kirwara areas. The Gathanji water pipe will also deliver water to Gatanga girls’ high school. This water will be drawn from Ndakaini dam,”
Kamau said that all the water connections will be done by Gatanga Water Company, where its Chairman Bishop Wanyoike confirmed that the provision of water pipes and help from the national government will be a big boost to do the last mile connectivity of water in Gatanga Sub County.
By Bernard Munyao
