A Sh.9.5 million borehole to benefit 4, 000 residents in parts of Kigumo

Murang’a

Sunday, July 23, 2023

KNA by Bernard Munyao

The Ministry of water has finalized drilling a borehole and installing supportive infrastructure that will enable more than 4,000 residents of Kangari ward in Murang’a access clean water for domestic use.

The Shs. 9.5 million borehole which was done within a period of one month was launched by President William Ruto on Friday during his visit to commission various projects in Murang’a county.

The borehole with a capacity of producing 9,500 litres of water per hour is expected to mitigate water shortage challenges at Kangari town and its surrounding environs.

The existing Kigumo water project, which currently supplies the commodity to the region, had surpassed its design capacity, leading to an unreliable water supply to Kangari town and surrounding villages.

Water Cabinet secretary Alice Wahome said the borehole will be of great relief by ensuring locals easily access water as the government continues to implement other major projects to increase water coverage in the county.

Apart from drilling the borehole, the government also installed a 24 cubic metric sturdy steel tank, a solar pumping system, a five-kilometre distribution pipeline and water kiosks among other infrastructure.

Implementation of the project which commenced June was completed mid this month giving residents opportunity to access clean water for domestic use.

In the past the community has been forced to source unsafe water from rivers, springs, and hand-dug wells thus jeopardizing public health.

In addition, lack of a sewerage system in Kangari town has exacerbated contamination issues, posing additional threats to water sources and the well-being of the local population.

Wahome expressed commitment by her ministry in addressing these challenges highlighting the project's paramount importance in providing clean water to Kangari town and its periphery.

“The impact of this endeavor will be felt by over 4,000 residents, transforming their daily lives with a steady supply of safe and clean drinking water.” She added.

The CS continued “To ensure the project's long-term sustainability and to tackle the challenges of inadequate sewerage systems, the Ministry of Water seeks additional funding for the development of a comprehensive water and sewerage distribution network in the region.”

Meanwhile, Wahome noted the government is working to complete some of ongoing water projects in Murang’a county.

“Projects which are about to be completed include Sh. 1.2 billion Ithanga water, Sh. 320 million water project at Gatanga and Sh. 900 million Kenol-Makutano water and sewerage project.

“Some projects like Sh. 270 million Mathioya-Kiharu water have been completed and residents are benefiting with water,” added the CS.

She further reiterated that water from the proposed Sh. 45 billion Maragua 4 dam to be constructed at borders of Kiharu and Kigumo will equally be shared between Murang’a and Nairobi counties. 

Courtesy ; K. N. A