Image: John Kamau
Thika Water and Sewerage Company (THIWASCO) will construct two new sewerage treatment plants following a petition by residents.
Population increase and growth of industries in Thika have led to the collapse of the old sewerage plant installed in the 1970s.
Residents from Ithanga, Ndula, Maguguni, Ngoliba, Mitumbiri and Mwana Wi Kio who depend on the river Chania for water want THIWASCO to address the matter urgently to curb more pollution of the river.
“We have been forced to buy water from a few people who have boreholes. They have taken advantage of the situation and are selling a 20-liter jerry can at Sh60. This problem must be solved fast,” David Mwaniki said.
Residents fear for their health as there might be an outbreak of waterborne diseases due to pollution.
THIWASCO managing director Moses Kinya has already mobilised his workers and fixed the sewer line where the spillage was coming from.
Kinya told journalists the company has laid down long-term measures to end the suffering of residents emanating from raw sewage.
The MD said plans to construct two modern sewerage treatment plants at Pilot and Nanga are at an advanced stage.
“Waste water management has become a major concern for us especially because the town is steadily expanding and the population growing day in day out. Again, more factories are being set up. The old sewer plant is overwhelmed. But the good news is that two treatment plants will be constructed and this will significantly address the challenges we are currently facing,” Kinya said.
The project is part of the Sh11 billion water and sewerage projects funded by the World Bank and Danish International Development Agency (Danida).
Kinya said the World Bank through the Nairobi Metropolitan Services Improvement Project (NAMSIP) is undertaking expansion and upgrading of the old wastewater treatment plant at Kang’oki.
“These projects will increase our wastewater treatment capacity and quality, reduce sewage spillages and reduce environmental pollution,” he said.
“Once they are complete, we will be able to adequately and efficiently serve our catchment areas including other areas currently connected to the sewer line.”
The MD said other water projects will be completed in a few years.
“We have the Kariminu-Maryhill and Thika 3A water intake projects which will inject a capacity of 15,000 and 50,000 cubic meters of water per day into our system thus ensuring an all-time flow of clean water to our consumers,” he said.