Irrigation projects to give Murang’a a relief

 By The Mountain Journal Team

National Irrigation Authority is implementing irrigation projects estimated at Sh7 billion in Murang’a county.

The projects are meant  to irrigate thousands of acres to convert major parts in lower Murang’a to food baskets.

Water and Irrigation Principal Secretary Joseph Wairagu said farmers in areas where the 22 irrigation projects are designed to have been taken for training, to help them understand how to take care of high-value crops.

Speaking when he visited Mbiri and Gaturi wards for inspection of the irrigation projects, he said,  the government invested billions of shillings  to enable the residents to be food secure.

 The PS inspecting water pipes at Mirira Chiefs Camp in Kiharu

“Another seven irrigation projects  are underway  as we are looking for funds to implement them  for the interests of our people in the lower parts” said the PS.

 He was accompanied by Chief Executive Officers   Eng Mwangi Thuita and Gitonga Mugambi of Athi and National Irrigation Authority (NIA) respectively.

“ Some of the irrigation projects are about to be completed and it is the wish of the government they will turn the villages into food baskets,” said  Wairagu adding that President Uhuru Kenyatta’s government is focusing on transformation.  

Chairman of Mirira irrigation project Gerald Ndung’u said the project funded by the government is designed to irrigate 2,000 acres.

“ We are waiting for the completion of the project that we hope will convert Gikindu to a food basket,” said Ndung’u.

 Map of Mirira irrigation project

 At the same time, the  PS disclosed that Northern Water Collector Tunnel (NWCT) was complete with piping being the problem between Kigoro and Ng’ethu due to lack of land.

“ The land matter is being handled by the National Land Commission (NLC) to ensure the project will be completed  within time,” said the PS.

 The 11.8 kilometers tunnel will fetch water  from rivers Gikigie, Maragua and Irati at 140,000 cubic metres per day.

 On Ithanga water project,  he described it as successful saying it was almost complete, with the expansion of Kigumo water treatment plant being on course.

“ We are making efforts to increase water coverage in the county and concentrating with lower parts,” he said.

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