Water
County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Water, Environment, Energy, and Natural Resources in Kiambu, David Kuria, has assured residents of Kiamumbi sub location that the county government will look into the water shortage challenges.
The CEC who was participating in a public forum organized by the Kiambu Water & Sewerage Company Ltd at the Kiamumbi playground on Wednesday noted that although the County government cannot develop private entities such as the Kiamumbi water dam it is committed to address the water shortage in the area.
Kiamumbi has been relying on the dam for the longest time but recently the water levels have dropped forcing residents to find other sources of water.
“We recognize the importance of improving water supply to Kiamumbi residents, but it is not within our mandate to develop private institutions like the Kiamumbi Water Dam. However, we will ensure that county water is supplied to the residents within six months,” Kuria assured.
During the forum, most residents were calling upon the county government to improve water supply expressing their frustrations with the increasing water scarcity due to population increase.
“We have been relying on the Kiamumbi water dam since 2002. The population has grown significantly. We are experiencing frequent water shortages so we are now asking for an alternative company to supply water to our household,” said Sam Mwaniki a resident of Kiamumbi.
However, several Kiamumbi residents were of a contrary opinion, stating that introducing Kiambu Water to supply water into the equation could create complications.
Water is life- Kiamumbi residents wants consistent supply of water in their area
“We have never had any issue with the current suppliers since the inception of this project so why are we bringing a new player. If they want to come, they must state that they will not stop supply of water from the dam and instead invest in it”, said another resident Susan Njeri.
Karumbe Nderitu, Chairman of the Kiamumbi Water Dam project, acknowledged the County Government’s intention to step in but emphasized the need for the county to first invest in improving the dam. “As chairman of the Kiamumbi water project I have no issue with Kiambu Water coming to supply water. In fact, they will assist in bridging the gap, but they should first support the development of our dam,” Nderitu remarked.
James Mbugua, Managing Director of Kiambu Water and Sanitation Company assured the residents that plans were in place to allocate a portion of the water from Karemenu Dam in Gatundu North to serve Kiamumbi residents. “In partnership with Athi Water Works, we have set aside 2,000 cubic metres of water from the 7,000 cubic metres available at Karemenu Dam to supply Kiamumbi, that way it will bridge the gap the chairman was talking about,” Mbugua said.
Speaking at the meeting, Kiambu MCA Francis Koina pledged to support efforts to enhance water supply in Kiamumbi, stressing the importance of ensuring that all residents have access to water. “Water from the Kiambu County Government will soon flow to the great people of Kiamumbi, and that is a big win for the people,” Koina said.
Lucy Muihia, a representative from the Water Service Regulatory Board (WASREB), assured the residents of Kiamumbi that the board is actively looking into the reasons for the inconsistent water supply. “We are here to identify why residents have not been receiving adequate water, and we will work towards finding a solution,” Muihia said.
The residents were hopeful and optimistic of their concerns and agreed that the County Government can bring in Kiambu Water as an alternative water supplier but urged it also to keep its promise so that the residents of Kiamumbi do not suffer any more from water shortage.