The government has operationalised Sh4.5 billion Kigoro water treatment plant in Gatanga, Murang’a County which is set to supply water and address the perennial water shortages in the Nairobi Metropolitan region.
The project, financed by the Agence Française de Dévelopement (AFD) in partnership with the Kenyan government, is part of the Northern Collector Tunnel system (NCT) and is set to provide water to over 1.2 million people across Murang’a, Kiambu, Nairobi, Machakos, and Kajiado counties.
Water, Sanitation, and Irrigation Cabinet Secretary Eng Eric Mugaa, said the project whose construction was completed months ago, had not been operationalised adding that infrastructure has been laid for the water supply.
He said the project is a showcase of innovation, featuring compact design, SCADA automation for efficient monitoring, and in-house sodium hypochlorite production for disinfection, making it a beacon of efficiency and modernity in the region
The CS added that the project will be treating 140 million litres of water daily and will be implemented by the Athi Water Works Development Agency (AWWDA). It is expected to address water shortages in the city metropolitan region, which currently stands at about one million litres a day.
“Water scarcity in urban areas remains a challenge due to the soaring population each year. In the metropolis, the demand is huge and there are big gaps. However, this project will go a long way in addressing the gaps. This project is part of the huge government agenda of coming up with water projects to address these demand gaps,” said Mugaa.
The CS was accompanied by Thani Mohamed-Soilihi, the French Minister of State for Francophonie and International Partnerships, who highlighted the strong partnership between Kenya and France in the water and sanitation sector.
Thani acknowledged the contributions of French companies such as SUEZ and SOGEA, whose innovative solutions have ensured the Kigoro Water Treatment Plant stands as a model for the region.
AWWDA Chairman Mr Charles Karondo, applauded the project as a monumental achievement in Kenya’s water infrastructure history.
Gatanga MP Edward Muriu said the project will spur economic development in the area and better the livelihoods of his constituents who have over the years been fetching water from the rivers.
By Muoki Charles
