The Mountain Journal
editor@themountainjournal.co.ke
Maragua residents have called on President William Rutu to disregard voices of the critics against Murang’a Water (MUWASCO) distributing water in the regions.
In his last visit, Ruto bestowed the mandate of water supply in Maragua to the water company, after the former failed to effectively deliver leading to complaints from the water users.
The tug of war over the management of Maragua dam has returned that if called will sabotage smooth management.
The bone of contention on the management of Maragua dam, which was done by Murang’a South Water (MUWASCO), and Muwasco which was bestowed on the responsibility by the head of state.
In the expected Murang’a visit, the residents have expressed satisfaction with the performance of the water company, despite the claims that water from the dam had been diverted to Kiharu .
A resident, Charles Wang’ombe says after the directive by the President to the management of the water company, he relocated to his Maragua town house that he moved away owing to unreliable supply of water.
“Since the Muwasco take over there is a daily supply unlike before when I got the supply once a week,” he recounted.
Mr Wagombe says they are worried that the orchestrated politics by a section of individuals, driven by malice, will lead to disorganisation in water management.
“ If politics is allowed , families will return to fetch water from polluted bore streams and streams, thus increasing water borne related diseases”, he explains.
A resident Eng. Isaac Gitoho disputes the claims that water from the dams is channeled Kiharu.
“Kiharu is on the upper side of the dam, thus water cannot be supplied upwards but downwards,” said Gitoho.
Another resident Mr Gideon Muriu, recounted Maragua dam has been a thorn in the flesh for MUSWASCO, after it failed to supply the commodity despite completion.
“ MUWASCO was tasked by the President to work on water connections, there should not be hatred between the two,” said Muriu.
Beatrice Nyambura says presence of Muwasco is a relief to traders in Maragua town as traders have plenty of water that has assisted in cleanilless.
” Also our homes are clean and water borne diseases have reduced to a higher percentage,and in town there is a well kept toilet used by the traders and other people,” said Ms Nyambura.
Kaharo Boys High School is alleged to be at the centre of water wars, after Muwasco donated a water tank shortly after the school management raised concerns after going for long without water, as the students fetched water from the stream.
Moses Mbarathi, a resident, says the county government needs to merge all the water companies to ensure there is effective management in the supply and respond to repairs to the bursts.
With the President’s forthcoming visit to Murang’a and Mt. Kenya region at large, Maragua residents are requesting him not to be duped by those who may wish to sabotage the water connections that the community is already enjoying.
Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata is expected to resolve the water wars, and Muwasco has written to the Water Services Regulatory Board (WASREB) seeking for action.
Kìgumo and Kandara people want to sabotage MUWASCO so that they can snatch maragua dam and divert the water to their localities. This is unacceptable and will cause more harm than good. “If its not broken, don’t fix it”! We maragua residents are satisfied with MUWASCO supplying us with water. Let Kandara people take their political shenanigans else where.