Water Cabinet Secretary Wahome require peace to develop
The Mountain Journal
Spirited water wars in Murang’a county have frustrated implementation of projects in the past 10 years.
Between 2015 and 2017, despite billions of shilling set aside, no project was implemented as the former Governor Mwangi wa Iria was at war with the national government demanding compensation of water channeled to Nairobi from Murang’a.
There was a relief in 2018 after former administrator Wairagu wa Maii was elevated to the position of water and irrigation principal secretary and helped towards implementation of tens of water and irrigation programmes.
The projects implemented include the Sh1billion Maragua dam designed to end water shortage in parts of lower Maragua.
After the general election, several projects funded by the government stopped in sections under Murang’a South Water (Muswasco) following a fight between area MP Mary Wamaua and management of the service provider.
Insiders with knowledge in the water sector say infightings on control of water in Murang’a has frustrated Water Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome to implement water programmes.
Photo: MPs Mary Wamaua and Betty Njeri Maina at Kanyenya ini market.
John Kung’u says it is disheartening that Murang’a leadership has been fighting when Wahome is in charge of the water docket instead of assisting her in the service delivery.
Maragua dam, he said, led to the fighting between the MP and the Muswasco MD Mary Nyaga as many parts of her Maragua constituency remained without water as the war intensified.
“It is critical that MPs Wamaua and her counterpart Betty Njeri Maina have been inciting the public on a water company instead of supporting it to delivery. During the Kandara by Election campaign Njeri identified Wahome as a chief plumber viewed as an insult” said Kung’u.
The MP has been critical to the management of the water company as she advocated the inviting of Murang’a Water (Muwasco) to extend the water services to Maragua town and its environs.
“We have Maragua Water Company awaiting registration that will be mandated by the Water Service Regulatory Board (Wasreb) after the non performance of Muswasco,” said Maragua MP when she attended handing over of Muwasco to the Murang’a county government.
A resident of Kamahuha village Ms Mercy Wairimu says it is a shame that Murang’a leaders failed to react when allocation earmarked for Ithanga water project was diverted.
Wairimu said there is need for a water caucus in the county required to bring all the leaders under Governor Irungu Kang’ata on board
“ Only Gatanga MP Edward Muriu raised concerns as others remained tight lipped. There is a need for the leaders to embrace team playing to develop Murang’a as Athi Water is ready to implement programmes contained in County Water Master Plan,” said Wairimu.
Chief Executive Officer at Athi Water Works Development Agency Eng Thuita Maingi said the inability in Murang’a leadership to support their water companies has slowed the works.
Thuita says there was a relief between 2018 and 2022 after the former PS Wairagu ensured the projects were launched and completed.
“The infightings in Murang’a has led to underperformance thus delaying the increase of the water coverage status. Murang’a should be geared towards attaining 100 percent water coverage,” said the CEO.
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