Residents of Elburgon in Molo sub-county have a reason to smile after the county government in partnership with NGOs launched water projects to boost water supply in the area to the tune of Kshs. 57 million.
Speaking during a ground-breaking ceremony, County CECM for Water, Environment, Energy, Natural Resources and Climate Change, Dr. Nelson Maara said that the locals would not only enjoy the consistent supply of clean water from the project but will benefit over 500 people with job opportunities.
“Embrace the job opportunities available during the construction as this in turn will help in reducing consumption of alcohol that has been a menace in the area,” said Maara.
He noted that the area has faced perennial water shortages and thus advised them to shun against politicizing the project but instead utilize it for to cater for their needs and expand it for commercial purposes too in order to earn a living.
“The project is meant to benefit all and no one should be discriminated against accessing the key commodity on basis of economic status,” he noted.
The project will involve rehabilitating and expanding to serve the residents of Kasarani, Kaloleni, Matuiku areas thus increasing the number of households accessing water from 620 to 1,745.
“I am glad that this project has been has initiated. We have been facing difficult times in accessing water to cater for our domestic needs. Currently, with the ongoing drought situation, our streams have run dry and we barely have enough water since we have to pay Kshs. 20 for a 20 litre jerrican which is expensive,’’ reacted Mary Wambui who is a local resident.
Elburgon has most of its residents living in the informal settlement that has increased due to government directive to ban logging that most people depended on.
Dr Maara was accompanied by Elburgon Ward MCA Njuguna Mwaura, Chief Officer for Water and Sanitation Ms Margaret Kinyanjui, NARUWASCO Managing Director and representatives from Water Sector Trust Fund (WSTF) who are partners in this project and those from KfW that is a German based bank that is in partnership with the County Government.
By Emily Kadzo
