Posted on :Tuesday , 30th April 2024

The Kiarutara/Mwago irrigation project in Gatanga Sub County, Murang'a, has received water pipes valued at Sh. 10 million from the national government through the Ministry of Water and Irrigation.

In order to encourage irrigation farming, the pipes would make it easier to distribute water to 12 villages in the upper regions of Gatanga Sub County.

Irrigation Principal Secretary Ephantus Kimotho praised the 2010-established project, claiming it had increased food security in the region, during a visit to the site over the weekend.

He mentioned that the water pipes will expand the project's coverage area in addition to replacing the deteriorated ones.

With 11,000 residents, the project occupies 11.5 square kilometers. Water metering mandates fees of Sh. 250 for volumes between 0 and 5 and Sh. 30 for each additional cubic meter.

At the moment, 1,300 cubic meters are produced daily by the project. The water flow began to silt in 2019, therefore the members, with government assistance, were given pipes to update the project downstream.

Due to the water that is tapped at the Kimakia and Ragia rivers, the members are able to raise dairy cows and pigs in addition to growing avocados, tomatoes, and upland arrow roots.

The project's chairman, Afro Ngaruiya, claims that although the management had installed some water meters, there had been an increase in theft cases involving the meters. He attributes this to the fact that a pipe locator, which aids in detecting illicit connections, has lessened crime.

Gatanga MP Edward Muriu, for his part, applauded the project and stated that the people will boost their agricultural productivity with government support.

In order to show the inhabitants gratitude for the water that was extracted from the Ndakaini dam and sent to Nairobi, Muriu urged the government to start new water projects in the sub county and finish those that were already underway.

The Ndakaini Dam's water does not benefit the Gatanga people. We implore the government to think about putting additional local projects into action to help our people, as the water is brought to Nairobi and its surroundings," he said.

In response to Muriu's complaints, Eng. Joseph Kamau, Chief Executive Officer of the Athi Water Development Works Agency, stated that water is currently being connected for Gatanga residents via the main water pipe from the Ndakaini dam at the Kigoro water treatment plant. This will produce 10 million liters of water per day, which will be distributed to areas such as Ndunyu Chege, Thika Greens, Githingiri, and Ithanga.

He went on, "Water from this additional main water pipe will be distributed to the areas of Chania, Mabae, Kigio, and Kirwara. It will be tapped in the Chomo area. Water will also be supplied to the Gatanga girls' high school via the Gathanji water line. This water will be taken from the dam at Ndakaini.

According to Kamau, the Gatanga Water Company will handle all water connections. Bishop Wanyoike, the company's chairman, stated that the supply of water pipes and assistance from the federal government will be very helpful in completing the last mile of water connectivity in Gatanga Sub County.