A water crisis has hit the semi-arid areas of Juja subcounty in Kiambu leaving thousands of residents grappling with dry taps.
The residents have also been exposed to greedy vendors who exploit them by hiking charges.
A 20-litre jerry can is going for not less than Sh50.
The high population in region, attributed to the presence of higher learning institutions like JKUAT and homeowners in the expansive constituency, has also led to the increased demand for the precious commodity.
Residents, led by James Kariuki, raised concerns over the water problems and appealed to the county administration to help tackle the menace.
“We are going for months without accessing water in our homes and this has given vendors a field day to exploit us,” Kariuki said.
The population increase, according to Kiambu Governor James Nyoro, overstretched water services provider Ruiru Juja Water and Sewerage Company (Rujwasco) leading to the current shortage crisis.
Nyoro spoke on Tuesday in Juja town while launching the upgrade programme which will see link roads improved to bitumen standards.
The programme will also see the construction of walkways and installation of streetlights to improve mobility and security for residents.
The Uchumi-JKUAT Gate A road is expected to decongest Juja town by easing access to JKUAT, Mung’etho, Milima-ini, sisal and other residential areas in the region.
“We are aware of the current water crisis situation in Juja and it is a perennial problem that has troubled residents and investors in this region," Nyoro said.
"We are however working on various projects to address this situation."
The county chief, who was accompanied by a host of MCAs and other county officials, said his administration has taken deliberate measures to cushion residents from the crisis.
This includes sinking of boreholes in Nyacaba, Murera, Theta, Juja Farm, Gachororo, Athi and Muthaara at a cost of Sh100 million.
“The boreholes were meant to supplement what Rujwasco provides in a bid to tackle the problem and ensure that residents have sufficient water for domestic use,” he said.
The governor said the crisis will be over and that residents will have an all-time flow of clean water in their homes after the completion of the Kariminu II Dam which is being constructed in Gatundu North.
County officials said the dam is almost complete and water impoundment has already started with distribution expected to start in June.
“A reservoir with a capacity to hold 23 million litres of water has already been put up at Jacaranda in Juja waiting for the distribution to start," Nyoro said.
"In two months time residents will start enjoying this precious commodity and have an uninterrupted supply.”
The governor also launched the construction of the 3.5-km Gwa Kairu-Matangi-ini road in Juja subcounty.
The road has been in deplorable conditions for years causing suffering to residents and motorists.
Nyoro also launched the Kahawa Wendani-Kiu River road in Ruiru subcounty.
“Increased urban population is leading to demand for an efficient urban infrastructure," he said.
"These roads will ease transportation by decongesting the populous residential areas. The projects will also see drainage and non-motorised transport works installed.
“My administration has been at the forefront in making sure there are sustainable structures that will benefit the more than 1.7 million people living in our urban areas in Kiambu.”
Residents welcomed the projects, saying that they will change the face of the region and enhance business.
“Transport will be eased which will allow people to move their goods and wares to the markets with ease,” Martni Maina, a resident, said.
(edited by Amol Awuor)
