Woman cuts off water supply to three villages

Mabuti Mugia stands next to her plot on which a 100,000-litre Riamiatu Water Reservoir was built in 2007. Mugia cut off water supply to three villages, claiming she is yet to be compensated. [PHOTO: MUNENE KAMAU/STANDARD]

Kirinyaga, Kenya: She may be an ordinary village woman, but the name of Mabuti Mugia is on the lips of every resident in three Kirinyaga villages.

For the last three days, residents of Kiang'ombe, Ithareini and Kiamiciri have been without water after Ms Mugia destroyed the main distribution pipe.

The elderly woman claims the management of Riamiatu water project had on March 21, 2007 acquired a plot on her land, where they constructed a 100,000 litre reservoir on the understanding that she would be compensated.

“The reservoir was consequently built on a 15 x15 metre plot on my land. To this day, no compensation has been forthcoming,” said the 84-year-old widow.

Mabuti even threatened to hire a bulldozer and have the reservoir demolished so that she can turn the plot to other uses.

BLAME GAME

She explained there were three mature Macadamia trees on the plot that used to give her an income of Sh8,000 per tree per season, but were uprooted to give room for the project.

Yesterday, the widow admitted the residents were suffering due to lack of water after her bold move, but urged them to support her to get compensated

“Yes, I am a woman and a mother who cares for other womenfolk, but would they sit on the fence if they were in my shoes?” she asked.

Kabare rep Ndambiri Njui, in whose ward the project is located, blamed Mabuti for being impatient.

“Her late husband entered into an agreement with the water project management, which was answerable to the defunct Kirinyaga County Council. Given that we have the devolved system, I have personally presented her case to the appropriate authorities,” he said.

Also affected is Gatunguru secondary and primary schools, Muguchu village and residents of Kathugu estate where the water pipe passes through.

A committee member of the project, Magu Mugambi, said the matter has been reported to the authorities for action, blaming the defunct Kirinyaga council for the omission.