Mwangangi said an international food processing firm in Thika is using toxic chemicals in it's plantations adjacent to the river, which eventually find get into
the canal.
“The National Environment Management Authority should move fast and stop it before fatalities happen as many use the water for drinking and domestic other purposes,” he said.
Mwangangi said he has received complaints from the canal users, who say the water is highly contaminated as its colour has even changed, prompting him to order investigations. He said the problem has become worse since the firm increased it's plantation acreage and moved near the banks of the river.
Mwangangi said Machakos county government has released Sh50 million for the canal's rehabilitation and local youths will be hired to de-silt and clear bushes around the furrow.
He said water from Masinga-Kitui project should be supplied to Masinga and Yatta residents first before being connected to Kitui as the two districts are in dire need of water.
Last week, Masinga residents blocked the contractors working at the project’s site demanding they be supplied with the water.
Speaking at Kithimani in Yatta Mwangangi said it is unfortunate that a few individuals are trying to sabotage the Sh2 billion Yatta Dam project.He said some people have written to the project financiers – the African Development Bank demanding compensation for those who will be displaced.
Mwangangi asked Machakos county government to intervene to settle the disputes between Mavoloni Farmers Company and Tanathi Water Services, who are the main stakeholders in the project.
He told Yatta residents to support the county government subsidies programme as it has enormous benefits which includes increasing food production and alleviating poverty.