Water and Irrigation Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome has requested Murang’a Governor Irungu Kanga’ta to hurriedly resolve the differences which has rocked two local water companies in the region.
Wahome on Friday said the wrangles between Murang’a Water and Sanitation Company (MUWASCO) and the neighbouring Murang’a South Water and Sanitation Company (MUSWASCO) should be stopped for the benefit of local residents they serve.
Speaking as she launched several water projects in Murang’a, the CS said Management of Sh. 800 Maragua dam should not be a reason for infighting between the two firms.
She said Kang’ata should constitute a meeting with relevant stakeholders and local leaders and come up with a clear strategy on which company will manage the dam and provide the locals with water.
“What the locals want is water. They are not interested from which company it will be supplied,” said the CS at Maragua ridge where she launched a sh. 500 million irrigation project.
She revealed that the Maragua dam was lobbied by MUSWACO through sourcing for loans and that it will be difficult for the asset to be transferred to MUWASCO without a proper agreement.
“Recent demonstrations which were championed by the two companies will not resolve the matter. Let the management of the two firms under leadership of the county government resolve matters and have an agreement on how the water from the dam will be supplied to the locals,” she added.
Wahome continued, “If there is any issue that requires my attention or advice concerning resolving the matter, I am available to give guidance and ensure locals get water.”
She called water service providers to prepare governance manuals which will curb water leakage and losses.
She noted most water service providers incur losses commonly known as non-revenue water amounting to 45 per cent.
“Water service providers should work with the government through the ministry of water towards resolving governance and management issues, losses, leadership and accountability.
“The companies are formed for the interest of the public and are mandated to ensure there is accountability in their operations,” added the CS.
Meanwhile the CS said plans to construct Maragua-4 dam are complete and soon the construction of the facility will kick off.
Maragua dam which is proposed to be constructed at upper parts of Kiharu and Kigumo constituencies will cost the government Sh. 42 billion.
The dam, Wahome said will supply water to Nairobi and parts of Murang’a saying the dam will have a daily capacity of 180, 000 cubic of water.
“Apart from taking part of the water to Nairobi, Maragua-4 dam will also provide water to parts of Maragua, Kandara, Kiharu, Kigumo and lower Gatanga. There will be an agreement on how the water will be shared between Murang’a and Nairobi,” remarked the CS.
On his part, Kang’ata said he will convene a meeting before mid-April which will be chaired by the county senator Joe Nyutu.
The meeting, he said, will bring on board local elected leaders, management of the water companies among other stakeholders.
The governor cautioned employees of the two water firms to stop wrangles saying the teething issues will soon be resolved saying the biggest challenge is lack of water at homes.
During the field visit, Wahome commissioned Nyanjigi, Maragua ridge and Boboti-Kiamande irrigation projects. The projects are community based and have cost the government almost half billion shillings.
By Bernard Munyao
