Sh21 billion project to boost water supply in Thika, Githunguri

The government has announced plans to implement the Sh21 billion Thika and Githunguri Water and Sanitation project in Kiambu county.

The project is expected to increase water supply to 1.2 million people in the two towns and the semi-arid Ithanga area in Murang'a county.

It is being financed jointly by the national government and Danida Sustainable Infrastructure Finance.

Athi Water Works Development Agency will implement it.

Athi Water Acting CEO Joseph Kamau said that the project will provide safe, reliable and affordable water and sanitation services.

He spoke during a consultative meeting by leaders and stakeholders in Thika,

Sh15 billion will be spent on the Thiika project while Sh6 billion will be spent on improvement of water supply and sanitation in Githunguri town.

The multi-billion project will start in February next year.

“The project is ready for implementation. We are closing the financing stage and we expect the contractor to start work in February next year. The work will go on for about thirty months, before it is ready for commissioning ,” Kamau said.

He said the project will be executed in four phases, which include, building of a 40-metre-high dam across Thika River to produce 70,000 cubic metres per day of additional water.

It will also involve the construction and rehabilitation of water storage tanks and laying of about 60- kilometre water transmission and distribution pipelines, including consumer last mile connections.

“The project will add an additional 70,000 cubic metres of water per day to Thika, it will meet the water demand for Thika urban area up to the year 2047,” Kamau said.

MP Alice Ng'ang'a said the water project is a welcome relief for the town's rapidly growing population, which has been feeling the pinch of water shortages.

She said the biggest beneficiaries will be schools, colleges and health institutions, which have been going without water.

“The population has drastically increased and current water supply by area water service provider, THIWASCO, cannot meet the demand. Residents, especially in Thika, have been facing an acute water shortage. This project will cure the perennial shortage and improve supply to institutions and industries,” Ng'ang'a said.

Ithanga ward, which has a population of more than 100,000 residents, has been struggling to access clean water for domestic use.

MCA Alex Makau said sufficient water supply will alleviate the residents’ suffering.

He said the residents are relying on seasonal rivers and wells, which dry up sometimes.

Thika Business Community Chairman Alfred Wanyoike said the project will breathe a new lease of life to business and industrial growth as the town gears to attain city status.

“Thika is an industrial town, which will soon become a city and water is a key element in its growth. We are grateful for this project,” he said.