The construction of the first ever sewer-line along Kenyatta Road Estate in Juja, Kiambu County will be made operational in three weeks’ time, ending years of poor waste management in the area.
The Sh45 million project funded by Kenya Urban Support Program under the World Bank, will benefit over 2,000 residents.
It will be a 4.7 kilometres facility, running from Kenyatta Road to the county’s main sewage in Katong’oroa area, Ruiru Sub-county.
The line is set to improve sanitation in the fast-growing area, after decades of struggles with residents being forced to pay over Sh10, 000 to drain their septic tanks, using exhauster services.
Resident Engineer of the project, John Kinuthia, said they have completed the construction of four kilometers of the line, with the remaining 700 metres set for completion before the end of next month.
He said 96 per cent of the project had been completed, citing it as a game changer in conservation of environment.
Plot owners led by Simon Kimamo, lauded the project, saying building a septic tank in their structures is expensive as it would cost them over Sh200, 000.
“The sewer line would reduce cases of pollution and waterborne diseases, improving the standards of living for residents. The project would now enable more developers with undeveloped plots to construct houses,” said Kimamo.
His sentiments were echoed by Duncan Wanjau, who had commenced construction of a septic tank and had already spent Sh80, 000 only to stop the project after the county commenced construction of the major sewer line.
Wanjau said that the sewer-line project has reduced construction costs by a bigger margin as home developers will now be required to part with Sh2, 500 to be connected to the secondary line.
By Muoki Charles
