A Murang’a Water Company has partnered with an American based charity organization to build a mega water tank that will see residents of three villages in the County get steady water supply.
The American charity; Can-Do-Kids (CDK) will fund construction of the 250, 000-litre water tank expected to end perennial water shortage in the three villages of Muchungucha, Kiangochi and Ngaru.
More than 26, 000 residents from the villages all in Kiharu, Murang’a East Sub-county are set to benefit from domestic water supply once the tank being constructed at Snow area is complete.
The CDK’s Kenyan Patron Engineer, Karanja Wamatangi, said his organization will use close to Sh3 million to construct the tank within a period of 100 days.
Residents from the benefiting villages currently walk for long distances to fetch water from rivers risking contracting water borne diseases.
Wamatangi said once the construction of the tank is complete, Murang’a Water and Sanitation Company (MUWASCO) will take over and do piping connecting homesteads.
“This is the second water tank we are doing in partnership with MUWASCO for the local community. We will do the other two tanks which will see more locals get connected to clean water for domestic use,” assured Wamatangi.
Apart from doing the community water tanks, Can-Do-Kids has also constructed about 60 water tanks for local schools. The 300, 000 litres capacity tanks have been of great reprieve to learners as they access water throughout the year.
MUWASCO Head of Technical Services Engineer, Mwangi Kirenju, said the three villages suffered water shortage since the available tank is of small capacity adding. “Once the tank is completed, we will reach many residents by connecting them to a steady water supply in their homes. The new tank will be located at a higher area where water will flow by force of gravity.”
He lauded the family which donated a piece of land to construct the tank, saying the move will benefit many generations to come.
A resident, Francis Mwangi said they have suffered lack of clean water in their homes for long.
“The available water is little and cannot satisfy demand. So many times, we are forced to fetch water from distant rivers,” he added.
Other villages earmarked to get similar tanks include Kabuta and Gikuu.
By Bernard Munyao
