Transformation of Solio Settlement Scheme lauded by the former squatters

 By The Mountain Journal Senior Reporter in Solio ceo@themountainjournal.co.ke

A rural water scheme located in the remote part of Laikipia has attracted officials of other schemes eyed to be a food basket.

Solio Settlement Water Project founded four months ago through the partnership of Laikipia County Government, Nanyuki Water and Sewerage Company (Nawasco) and Water Sector Trust Fund has since been visited by officials from several rural-based schemes for benchmarking.

 The benchmarking follows after the four months water project has moved a mile further with members turning to drip irrigation as the best mode in the utilisation of water.

This is one of the projects that President Uhuru Kenyatta is expected to be commission during his tour of Mt Kenya region.

Scheme Manager Duncan Maina Gikandisaid they have managed to install drip irrigation equipment to 35 members, awaiting to roll out of the second phase.

“ This a joint programme between various partners  all geared towards transforming the living standard of the people in Solio who were settled by the government after they were evicted from forests,” said Gikandi.

Chairman of Gitaru Community Water Company Mr  Muhia wa Ngige toured the nine kilometer radius project on a fact-finding mission, and learned the water distribution network in the villages.

 The squatters were relocated to the villages from Othaya, Muoroto, Chehe and Hombe areas in Nyeri county after they were ejected from state controlled forests of Mt Kenya and Aberdare after the end of Shamba system.

Muhia said Gitaru project in Kiambu manages boreholes and was founded in 1969, but presently struggling with high electric bills to facilitate pumping of the resources to the members.

“We have learned on the management skills employed in Solio scheme to distribute water in the vast area. More importantly, our interest was on the partnership between the players,” said Muhia.

The 31`kilomters pipeline from the slopes of Aberdares cuts through Kinyaite village in Nyeri that is one of the areas without access to piped water since independence.

Solio Project Chairman Mr Nicholas Thagana said cooperation between Laikipia County Government with other Ministry of Water led to the success of the programme.

“The Sh143 million project implemented by Nawasco saw the Trust fund donating Sh123 million and the rest from  the county government,” said Thagana.

Laikipia County Government through Governor Ndiritu Muriithi gave Sh20 million, that helped to reach the 1,700 members. We target in the shortest time possible the project will quest thirst of 3,000 people in the villages with a population of over 20,000 ,” said Thagana.

The boreholes that were established by the Retired President Mwai Kibaki administration, the residents said are salty, thus they embarked on a journey to get piped water from the Aberdares.

A resident Ms Millicent Nyambura and James Kiama who settled in the locality from Nyana hills and Home villages in Mathira recount the challenges they went as they used salty water from the bore holes.

“It is a relief to the families in Solio settlement, that at last, we are enjoying piped water and decades of suffering in the wilderness” said Nyambura.

She added that bore hole water affected hundreds of locals through a high concentration of fluorine that has left many teeth to discoloration.

Laikipia County Water Executive Njenga Kahiro said the project is a landmark that will transform the locality for the interest of the people.

“This one of the milestone project that will transform the wellbeing of the people through Nawasco,” said Mr Kahiro.

Gitaru Water Company is one of the small water service providers has embarked to install solar panels to help in the reduction of expenditure.

 The Mountain Journal news lines are

Mobile Phone (SMS)0719-889-925

ceo@themountainjournal.co.ke

info@themountainjournal.co.ke

themountainjournal@gmail.com

www.themountainjournal.co.ke