Murang’a County Assembly has adopted a report recommending the rehabilitation of dams and water pans in the county.
In a report on the status and distribution of dams and water pans in the county which was tabled before the house by nominated MCA Mark Wainaina, the MCAs observed that most of the dams were partially functional and non-functional hence not serving the residents efficiently.
Majority of the MCAs passed the motion of adopting the report which recommended rehabilitation of the dams which require de-silting, fencing, redesign and reconstruction to increase reservoir capacity.
“The County Executive Committee Member (CECM) in charge of Water and irrigation to consider desilting all the water dams in the county in order to enable the dams hold more water levels to satisfy the water consumption of residents in the area,” said Wainaina, a member of the water and irrigation committee.
He said that the report recommended that in the next financial year funds to be factored in the budget for the rehabilitation of the dams, and construction of additional dams as well.
“One of the advantages of dams is they are constructed to store surplus waters during wet periods, which can be used for irrigating arid lands” stated Wainaina adding that water flows from dams can be regulated as per agricultural requirements of the various regions over the years.
He stated that most of the dams and water pans are located in the semi-arid areas within the county and are used for harvesting water for domestic and livestock consumption and irrigation purposes.
“Farmers can have access to water for use in the farm even in times of drought by building water pans to harvest and conserve the commodity,” he further added.
Nominated MCA Hannah Wairimu supported the adoption of the report saying that with the high population increase in the county, the rehabilitation of the dams will enable more water to be stored to facilitate more water for irrigation and farming leading to increased farm produce.
“Due to the high population increase, there is increased consumption of water. Rehabilitation and Construction of more dams will facilitate more water for irrigation and farming leading to increased farm produce,” said Wairimu.
She said the report further recommended constructions of two dams in Gitugi ward to serve the residents of Ruiru and Yakarengo since the area is dry.
Nominated MCA Naomi Maina who supported the motion said water distribution in the dams and water pans should be prioritized to go towards irrigation of crops to ensure food security in the county.
The report recommended that due to the high increase in population in Mitubiri Ward leading to an increase in water consumption, the CECM should consider pumping water uphill from Mitubiri dam for irrigation purposes by the residents.
On his part Gaichanjiru MCA John Munyua urged the county government to look into the issue of Ndakaini dam which is located in Murang’a County and yet water from the dam doesn’t benefit the local residents.
He revealed that the dam, which currently serves water to Nairobi County residents, should also be reconstructed in a way that it will allow for the water to also benefit residents of Muranga.
“I urge the county government to look into the matter of Ndakaini dam and make it beneficial to the residents of the county as well,” said Munyua.
The MCAs recommended that the county Executive committee member in charge of Environment formulate policies that will guide in the management and operations of County owned dams and water pans.
The report further recommended the CECM to consider fencing all the water dams and water pans to avoid endangering children and livestock from drowning in the said facilities.
By Anita Omwenga
