Murang’a County government has partnered with all local water firms to increase water coverage in the county by investing hugely in last mile connections.
Deputy Governor Stephen Munania has observed that in the last financial year, Sh35 million was utilized to support last water connectivity.
In the amount, Munania said every ward was allocated Sh1 million where some areas benefited with boreholes.
“Last financial year, the county utilized Sh35 million which was shared among the 35 wards. 11 boreholes were drilled as the administration facilitated piping the water to local homesteads. Water coverage in Murang’a currently stands at 60 percent with some areas having more coverage than others. In the next financial year, more funds will be allocated to the water sector to ensure every part gets water,” he added.
Munania spoke at Mukerenju grounds in Kandara during the county’s celebrations to mark International Water Day.
He said the county administration would partner with local water companies among other shareholders to increase and rehabilitate water infrastructure which would facilitate increase of water coverage.
Gitugi MCA Edward Mwangi and chairperson of the local County Assembly’s Committee for Water and Sanitation noted that the ward representatives would push more funds to be allocated to the water sector.
“We want every ward to be allocated more than Sh5 million in the next financial year. This will boost water coverage especially to semi-arid areas of the county,” he added.
Managing directors of the local water companies who attended the event promised to work together with the county government to increase water coverage.
Managing Director of Murang’a Water and Sanitation Company (Muwasco), Eng. Daniel Ng’ang’a said his firm has kicked off water supply to areas in Maragua sub county.
He noted after his company was given the mandate to manage Maragua dam, water coverage at Maragua town and its environs currently stands at 40 percent and by June this year, the coverage would rise to more than 60 percent.
“Muwasco has attained about 120 percent water coverage at Murang’a town and its environs but now we have an extended area of jurisdiction covering parts of Murang’a South Sub County and we have embarked to supply water to areas including Maragua town, Maragua ridge, Kamahuha, Kambiti among other areas,” he explained.
On her part, Mary Nyagah, Managing Director of Murang’a South Water and Sanitation Company (Muswasco) said her company, which covers three sub counties namely Kandara, Kigumo and Murang’a South, has managed to attain about 60 percent water coverage.
She revealed that the firm is currently implementing water projects worth Sh2 billion noting once completed, water coverage would rise to about 90 percent.
Murang’a West Water Company Managing Director Ephantus Kamau observed that efforts to increase water coverage were frustrated by vandalism of water infrastructure.
He called upon relevant authorities to help in curbing vandalism of water pipes among other infrastructure which has led residents to go for days without water.
By Bernard Munyao and Florence Kinyua
