Water processing capacity to be increased in Thika to address shortage

Thika,

Saturday, October 14, 2023

KNA by Hellen Lunalo

Perennial Water scarcity in Thika town and its environs will be a thing of the past once water development infrastructural projects are implemented.

Thika Water and Sewerage Company (THIWASCO) managing director Moses Kinya has pledged to increase the town's water processing capacity once the infrastructural projects that are set to address the town’s water shortage problem are completed ultimately relieving thousands of residents of water shortage in the area.

Speaking during a tree planting exercise organized by the company that saw five thousand trees planted at their Kangoki Sewerage plant, Mr. Kinya disclosed that the water projects have already been launched, the most recent being the Karimenu dam that was launched by President William Ruto in August that is currently supplying water into the Mayhill and Ngoingwa tanks under the patronage of the Athi Water Works in partnership with the Kiambu County Government.

“We also have the Danida (Danish International Development Agency) sustainable Infrastructure project that will ensure the construction of new dams, water treatment sites, and several storage tanks which will serve the current 360,000 residents of Thika with a water capacity of 57,000 million liters up to the year 2060.”

“We are also working round the clock on the extension of our water pipes and we have constructed three sewerage plants complete with bio-digesters at Gatuanyaga and Nanga. These ultra-modern sewerage plants will generate gas and electricity that will enable THIWASCO to reduce revenue spent on energy costs as currently, we are using 17 percent of the company’s revenue to pay for power alone.” Said Mr Kinya.

On his part, Thika District Business Association (TDBA) chairman Mr Alfred Wanyoike who was also present at the event lauded the move by the company and noted that water shortage will be a thing of the past.

 “Water is a crucial commodity for attracting investors and industries as people will always go where water supply is available, easily accessible, and reliable. This is very important as Thika gears up to smart city status. We urge THIWASCO and the county government to ensure that once the development is complete, Thika will have a steady supply of water all the way to 2060,” he said.

Mr. Wanyoike thanked the water company for their quick efforts in the use of their flash units in clearing drainages, storm water channels, and clogged culverts in readiness for the El Nino rains. He urged the local business community and industry owners to dispose of their waste products responsibly to prevent accidents and incidents during the rainy season.

Courtesy; KNA