Residents of Maragua Ridge in Maragua Constituency, Murang’a County have distanced themselves from a group that recently staged protests claiming there had been disruption of water supply in the area.
Speaking to the media on Thursday, the residents dismissed the claims as misleading, noting that households and farmers have been receiving a consistent supply of water for both domestic use and irrigation over the past seven months.
They accused some individuals of attempting to introduce politics into the management of water resources at a time when the Water Services Regulatory Board (WASREB) is conducting public participation to review the operational boundaries of local water service providers.
Members of the Maragua Ridge Irrigation Project, led by their chairman Charles Kigotho, said the community does not want to be drawn into political disputes that could jeopardize the steady supply of water they currently enjoy.
Kigotho explained that since the irrigation project was launched by President William Ruto about seven months ago, farmers in the area have benefited from reliable water supply that has significantly improved agricultural productivity.
“Farmers here are now able to irrigate their crops consistently. This has greatly boosted agricultural production and improved livelihoods for many families,” said Kigotho.
He added that Murang’a Water and Sanitation Company (MUWASCO) had also stepped in about two years ago to ensure households in the area had access to clean water for domestic use.
According to Kigotho, several parts of Maragua Constituency are currently served by Muwasco and residents are satisfied with the services provided.
“We do not want to be taken back to Murang’a South Water and Sanitation Company (MUSWASCO). For more than 20 years residents struggled without clean water connections,” he remarked.
Another resident, Kimani Njane, echoed similar sentiments, saying the ongoing discussions about reviewing the operational boundaries of water service providers should not interfere with the reliable supply of water to residents.
Njane said the people of Maragua Ridge endured years of water scarcity before Muwasco intervened and supplied clean water to their homes.
“For many years we suffered without this essential commodity. We appreciate the company that came to our rescue and ensured our homes finally have water,” he said.
Susan Chege also dismissed calls by some individuals advocating for the area to revert to Muswasco’s jurisdiction.
She argued that Muswasco already has large areas under its mandate that are yet to receive adequate water supply.
“We should first address areas that still lack water instead of interfering with places that are already receiving reliable services,” Chege said.
John Mukola, a resident of Kitune village in Kambiti Ward, claimed that some individuals were moving around the area spreading misinformation and attempting to stir unnecessary tensions regarding water management.
Mukola, who is living with a disability, said Muwasco had connected his household to clean water free of charge, a gesture he described as life-changing.
“Our village suffered for many years without water. Now that we finally have it, we should protect the progress that has been made,” he said.
He also urged the water company to continue expanding connections so that more households in the area can benefit from clean and reliable water supply.
Meanwhile, investors in neighbouring areas have raised concerns about persistent water shortages affecting industrial operations.
The General Manager of Greenava Fruit Processing Company located in Kakuzi, Ms Esther Wangari, said the firm has struggled since its establishment two years ago due to inadequate water supply.
Wangari explained that the company, which processes mangoes and avocados, requires more than 150 cubic metres of water daily, a demand that cannot be met through boreholes alone.
She revealed that the company had sought assistance from Muwasco but could not be served because it falls outside the company’s jurisdiction.
“Investors in Makuyu and Kakuzi areas are facing serious challenges due to lack of reliable water supply. This has reduced production and affected revenue,” she said.
Wangari called on the Murang’a County Government to intervene and support water service providers with the capacity to supply water to emerging industries in the region.
Currently, Murang’a County has five water service providers and the ongoing public participation led by WASREB aims to review and streamline their operational boundaries in order to improve service delivery.
By Bernard Munyao
