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A community Irrigation Project In Murang’a Receives Water Pipes Worth Sh10 Million
The national government, through the Ministry of Water and Irrigation, has provided water pipes worth Sh. 10 million to the Kiarutara/Mwago irrigation project in Gatanga Sub County, Murang’a.
These pipes will facilitate water distribution to 12 villages in the upper parts of Gatanga Sub County to promote irrigation farming.
During a visit to the project over the weekend, Irrigation Principal Secretary Ephantus Kimotho praised the project, which was established in 2010, stating that it has enhanced food security in the area.
He noted that the new water pipes will replace dilapidated ones and extend the coverage area of the project. Kimotho urged the project’s leadership to install water meters to ensure prudent water usage for its intended purpose.
“It’s a commendable project that has overcome numerous challenges, and the government is committed to supporting such initiatives across the country to bolster irrigation farming. I urge the project leaders to consider installing meters to levy reasonable charges, ensuring farmers use water judiciously and enabling the project to generate revenue to cover production costs,” said Kimotho at Ragia village.
The project covers an area of 11.5 square kilometers with a population of 11,000 people. Metering the water will result in charges of Sh. 250 for 0-5 cubic meters and an additional rate of Sh. 30 per extra cubic meter. Currently, the project produces 1,300 cubic meters per day.
In 2019, sedimentation affected water flow, and with government support, members received pipes to upgrade the project. Water from Ragia and Kimakia rivers has enabled members to cultivate avocados, tomatoes, upland arrowroots, and rear dairy cows and pigs.
Project chairman Afro Ngaruiya mentioned that while the management had installed some water meters, theft of meters increased. However, this was minimized by using a pipe locator to detect illegal connections.
Gatanga MP Edward Muriu commended the project, stating that with government support, locals will boost agricultural productivity. He urged the government to initiate more water projects in the sub-county and complete ongoing ones as appreciation for the water sourced from Ndakaini dam and supplied to Nairobi.
In response to Muriu’s concerns, Athi Water Development Works Agency CEO Eng. Joseph Kamau stated that they are already connecting water for Gatanga residents through the main water pipe from Ndakaini dam at Kigoro water treatment plant. This will produce 10 million liters daily for areas including Ndunyu Chege, Thika Greens, Githingiri, and Ithanga.
Kamau added, “Another main water pipe will be tapped at the Chomo area, distributing water to Chania, Mabae, Kigio, and Kirwara areas. The Gathanji water pipe will supply water to Gatanga Girls’ High School, sourced from Ndakaini dam.”
Kamau emphasized that Gatanga Water Company will handle all water connections. Its Chairman, Bishop Wanyoike, confirmed that the provision of water pipes and assistance from the national government will greatly aid in the last-mile connectivity of water in Gatanga Sub County.
