Residents of Sirata village in Samburu West Sub County have decried poor construction of a water pan commissioned by the national government three years ago.
While airing their grievances to the Parliamentary Accounts Committee (PAC) during an inspection tour of the project on Tuesday, the residents said that the project has been poorly done.
Robert Lenaken a resident, told PAC that the water pan has been constructed in a flat area and the construction design did not factor how residents and their livestock would directly draw water.
“The walls that hold the water are too steep and our women could drown as they attempt to draw water while livestock risk drowning while drinking directly. Therefore currently there is water but it is not benefiting us,” he said.
Area MCA, Joseph Leshipayo requested PAC to direct the contractor to finish the project before being paid by the government.
“The project is 90 percent complete apart from fencing to keep out children and livestock, a solar pump and water troughs for livestock,” he added.
The Mavoko Member of Parliament and PAC Chairperson, Patrick Makau assured residents that the Sh.14 million project will be finished in two months,’ time saying that the delay was caused by lack of funds.
He added that the National Treasury has released funds to pay the contractor but they had to inspect the project to ensure it has been completed before paying the remaining amount.
“The contractor has been paid Sh. 7 million but before we pay the remaining amount we will direct him to complete the project after which it will be handed over to the community,” he said.
Other PAC members who inspected the project were Chepalungu MP, Gideon Kosgei, Tetu MP, Gichuhi Mwangi, Keiyo south MP, Daniel Rono and representatives from the National Treasury, Ministry of Water and the Auditor General’s office.
By Robert Githu
