We'll take our fight for water to State House, say Maragua residents

@Alicewangechi

Maragua residents have urged the Murang'a government to expand water coverage, saying they have suffered for too long.

They said their’s is the most water-scarce subcounty and the majority of families depend on wells and rivers for the commodity.

Maragua has a water coverage of 35 per cent against a county coverage of about 70 per cent.

Residents said Maragua is lagging far behind the rest and it is difficult to engage in meaningful economic activities.

The residents, who spoke in Kenol town on Monday, said lack of water has condemned them to a poor quality of life.

Kenol is the fastest-growing town in the county, with numerous eateries, hotels and clubs, a testament to high cash flow.

But the town considered the entry to the Mt Kenya region, suffers from acute water shortages that lead to rationing. Traders are left with no choice but to sink boreholes.

Resident Ruth Mwangi said water scarcity compromises hygiene and exposes them to diseases.

“We rely on water from a small dam that has turned green. Now all our children do when they come home from school is fetch water. This issue has affected even our marriages due to poor hygiene,” she said.

“We hear people have water in other areas and we want to tell our governor to remember us.”

MP Mary Waithera said she will rally her constituents to march to State House, if their plight is not addressed soon.

She said Maragua struggles with a frail economy due to water scarcity.

The MP said water is a constitutional right that her constituents have been denied for a long time.

She urged Governor Irungu Kang’ata to take full control of the sector and ensure all residents are equally provided with the commodity.

The MP spoke a day before the Water Services Regulatory Board held a meeting with managing directors of Murang’a Water and Sanitation Company and Murang’a South Water and Sanitation Company over a boundary row.

The two firms have been feuding over Maragua subcounty, which is under the jurisdiction of Muswasco.

Muwasco covers Murang’a town and has extended its services to Kambiti and Maragua Ridge, following Kang'ata's consent.

But Muswasco has remained adamant that Maragua is under it, accusing its counterpart of plotting to take over the area over the Sh800 million Maragua dam constructed by the national government.

Wasreb wrote to the county government on January 15, directing both companies to continue operating in their licensed areas. It stated that encroaching into another's territory is an offence that can attract a penalty.

But MP Waithera said Muswasco has been unable to efficiently serve Maragua and demanded that Wasreb reviews the boundaries to allow Muwasco to continue operating in the area.

“It is Muwasco that has reprieved my people by providing a consistent supply of water. If Wasreb does not listen to our cries, then we will go to the President because we voted for him and demand proper water services,” she said.

Waithera told Kang’ata to "stop being intimidated" and take full control of the sector as it is a devolved function.

“You have the power to decide which water company can offer services in a particular area. Don’t be pushed by a water company that has shown you open defiance,” she said.

The MP was referring to Muswasco’s refusal to transfer its ownership to the county as directed by Wasreb last year.

Nginda MCA John Mwangi said residents require affordable and consistent water services.

Nominated MCA Njeri Muchiri urged Governor Kang’ata to support women by ensuring all parts of the county have adequate water supply.