• The pipes will facilitate distribution of water to 12 villages in upper parts of Gatanga to promote irrigation farming.
• Irrigation PS Ephantus Kimotho said the project established in 2010 has improved food security in the area.
Image: KNA
The national government has given Sh10 million water pipes to Kiarutara/Mwago irrigation project in Gatanga, Murang’a county.
The pipes will facilitate distribution of water to 12 villages in upper parts of Gatanga to promote irrigation farming.
Irrigation PS Ephantus Kimotho said the project established in 2010 has improved food security in the area.
The water pipes will replace those dilapidated and extend the area covered by the project.
Kimotho asked the leadership of the project to instal meters to ensure the water is used prudently and for the specific purpose.
“It’s a commendable project, which has survived a myriad of challenges and the government is committed to support such projects across the country in an effort to boost irrigation farming," the PS said.
“I urge the leaders of this project to consider having meters to levy reasonable amounts to ensure farmers use the water prudently and enable the project to get revenue to cater to the cost of production.”
Kimotho spoke at the weekend when he visited the project in Ragia village.
The project sits on 11.5km² with a population of 11,000 people.
The metering of the water dictates charges of Sh250 for 0-5m3 and an extra cubic metre at a rate of Sh30.
The project produces 1,300m3 per day. In 2019 there was sedimentation of the water flow and through the government’s support, members received pipes to upgrade the project.
The water is tapped from Ragia and Kimakia rivers. Residents use it to grow avocados, tomatoes, upland arrowroots and for dairy cows and pigs.
Gatanga MP Edward Muriu welcomed the government's support, saying it will boost agricultural productivity.
He urged the government to initiate more water projects in the subcounty and complete those ongoing as an appreciation to residents for water drawn in Ndakaini dam and taken to Nairobi.
“Gatanga people don’t benefit from Ndakaini dam water. The water is taken to Nairobi and its environs and we urge the government to consider implementing more projects locally to support our people,” Muriu said.
Athi Water Development Works Agency CEO Joseph Kamau said they are connecting Gatanga residents through the main water pipe from Ndakaini dam at Kigoro water treatment plant. He said 10 million litres will be produced daily to areas including Ndunyu Chege, Thika Greens, Githingiri and Ithanga.
“Another main water pipe will be tapped at Chomo and its water be distributed to Chania, Mabae, Kigio and Kirwara. The Gathanji water pipe will also deliver water to Gatanga Girls High School. This water will be drawn from Ndakaini dam,” he said.
Kamau said all the water connections will be done by Gatanga Water Company.
Firm chairman Bishop Wanyoike said the provision of water pipes and help from the national government will be a big boost to do the last mile connectivity of water in Gatanga.