The national government through the Ministry of Water and Sanitation is currently implementing a water project which will see three fast-growing Murang’a towns get constant water supply.
The water, which is tapped from Aberdare forests, is earmarked to benefit Kangari, Kenol and Kabati trading centres which in the recent past have witnessed influx of residents.
The Project, being implemented through Murang’a South Water and Sanitation Company (MUSWASCO) will also see Kenol and Kabati towns get a sewer line.
Residents especially from Kenol and Kabati have been relying on water from boreholes and that being hawked by water vendors.
High cases of water borne diseases have been reported in the area as water used for domestic purposes is sourced from unclean rivers and dams.
MUSWASCO Managing Director Ms. Mary Nyaga said that, the project is currently at 40 per cent completion and was earmarked to be through by mid next year.
She said construction of a water treatment plant at Kinyona area of Kigumo Sub County is on and laying of pipes from the intake to the plant is also going on.
Nyaga noted that once the project is complete, more than 16, 000 households would benefit with clean water for domestic use.
“We are geared to ensure locals can easily access clean and safe water for domestic use. Areas including Kenol and Kabati towns are fast growing, pushing demand for water high,” she added.
“The funds given by the national government will facilitate construction of sewer lines to serve Kenol and Kabati areas. The two towns of Murang’a South are also becoming destinations for industrialists,” she noted.
Residents of Kangari area in upper parts of Kigumo Sub County lauded the national government saying availability of clean water would boost hygiene in the region.
Currently, they argued that they have been relying on water for domestic use sourced from rivers which has caused them to contract water borne diseases.
Julius Mwaura, a local resident said they were eagerly waiting for completion of the project noting that mapping on areas where water pipes would be laid has been done.
“Our homes have been mapped to be connected with water pipes and we want the project to be hastened to allow us to benefit with clean water,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Managing Director said encroachment of road reserves by residents is hindering smooth implementation of the project.
She added that road contractors who were tarmacking some roads were also interfering with water pipes.
Nyaga called upon local residents to cooperate with the company so as to fast track implementation of the water project.
Recently, Water Principal Secretary Irungu Wairagu when he visited Murang’a promised to follow up with road contractors to repair and relocate affected water pipes in the shortest period possible.
The PS observed that, more than 100, 000 residents in Murang’a could not get water supply after water pipes were destroyed by those tarmacking various roads in the county.
By Bernard Munyao and Anita Omwenga
