Clear the air over Murang’a water collector project

The recent controversy over the Northern Collector Tunnel Water Project in Murang’a County is not only uncalled for but could also trigger a dangerous trend. The row has taken on a potentially divisive trajectory where counties could begin selfish competition for resources. The project has been ongoing for two years now, but information has been scanty. The national government therefore owes Kenyans crucial information to avoid speculation and uninformed debate on the project.

Being a public project, an environmental impact assessment should have been done and the results made public. Murang’a residents and all Kenyans should be aware of the project’s impact on the environment and its future repercussions. Information such as the cost, who are the contractors and how the tender was awarded should also be made public. The tunnel is meant to address water shortage in Nairobi, which is quite in order, seeing that the city is the country’s capital. But Murang’a residents should also benefit from the project. The national and county governments must therefore come forward and explain to residents the greater good of the collector tunnel.