The national government has injected Sh2.5 billion to fund several water projects in Maragua constituency.
The projects are aimed at alleviating water crisis and support irrigation farming in the constituency which receives minimal rainfall.
On Saturday, Water Principal Secretary Mr Joseph Wairagu said the projects ranging from construction of a dam, sewerage line, digging of boreholes and connection of piped water to homesteads are at different levels of completion.
He divulged by mid next year, all the projects will be completed giving reprieve to locals who have been struggling to get clean water for domestic use.
Maragua is part of Murang’a County which experiences prolonged dry spell affecting farming thus subjecting a section of local residents to rely on relief food.
The PS who was speaking as he commissioned drilling of boreholes at two different schools said once the construction of Maragua dam is complete, they will get plenty of water to boost irrigation farming.
“The dam which is already under construction will draw water from rivers Irati and Maragua and will ensure storage of water to support irrigation as well as provide water for domestic use,” he said, adding that the ministry is also in the process of digging 15 boreholes at different parts of the constituency.
Apart from the dam, the PS noted that they are also installing sewerage lines at Kenol town and its environs to improve sanitation in the area.
Construction of the sewer line has already started and will help the fast-growing town to have proper management of the waste.
And for better technical running of the community boreholes, the PS said they will be managed by Murang’a South Water and Sanitation Company (MUSWASCO) to avoid petty fights on running them.
The area MP Mary Waithera lauded the work done by the Jubilee administration in her constituency noting that water shortage had been an issue ailing the residents observing that the challenge will be dealt with once the projects are completed.
“Water coverage in Maragua constituency is currently at 35 per cent but with the digging of the boreholes, water service providers will be able to serve a larger population in the area,” she said.
Waithera also commended the government efforts with regards to road networking and electricity connection stating that the area is now starting to attract investors.
MUSWASCO Managing Director Mary Nyaga promised that the company will lay additional water lines and construct more water kiosks to enable many local residents to get water supply in their homes.
By Bernard Munyao and Anita Omwenga
