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The national government is implementing a Sh9.5 million borehole that will supply water to more than 4,000 residents of Kangari ward in Kigumo constituency, Murang’a county.
The borehole, which is being constructed by the Ministry of Water, commenced last month and will produce 9,500 litres of water per hour.
Kangari is one of the fastest-growing towns in the county after Kenol town in Maragua and has an unstable supply of water due to the surging population.
Kigumo water project, which currently supplies water to the town, has been overstretched, causing locals to experience water shortages.
Previously, members of the community were compelled to fetch water from the nearby rivers and streams and wells, subjecting them to water-borne diseases.
The town also suffers from lack of a proper sewerage system, which further aggravated public health issues as it posed the threat of water sources being contaminated.
Water CS Alice Wahome said the borehole will spur more development in the town and encourage more people to settle, while attracting investors.
“This borehole will ensure Kangari town and the surrounding towns are water sufficient, and will be a great relief to locals as it will provide easy access to water,” Wahome said.
The government is currently installing supportive infrastructure before the water is channelled to homes.
The state is also installing a 24 cubic metric sturdy steel tank, a solar pumping system, a 5km distribution pipeline and water kiosks.
The project started last month and was completed mid this month and will provide domestic water for residents.
“This project is very important for the well-being of Kangari town and its environs,” Wahome said.
“My ministry is committed to ensuring the challenges faced by locals are resolved so we can improve their lives.”
She said the project will have a major impact on residents as it will assure them of a steady supply of water.
She further announced that her ministry is sourcing for more funds to ensure the town has a proper sewerage system and ensure the project is sustained long-term.
She also gave an assurance that the national government is working towards completing stalled water projects that were being implemented by the previous government.
Some of the projects that will be completed include the Sh1.2 billion Ithanga water project, the Sh320 million Gatanga water project and the Sh900 million Kenol-Makutano water and sewerage project.
Projects such as the Sh270 million Mathioya-Kiharu water have been completed, she said, and residents are already consuming water from them.
She also emphasised that water produced by the Sh45 billion Maragua 4 dam that the government is implementing on the borders of Kigumo and Kiharu constituencies will be shared equally between Murang’a and Nairobi counties. BY THE STAR