Leaders keep off Murang'a water fights as residents demand action

A truck belonging to Muswasco supplies water to a village in Makuyu. [Boniface Gikandi, Standard] The battle between Murang'a Water and Sanitation Company (Muwasco) and Murang'a South Water and Sanitation Company Ltd (Muswasco) has escalated in the past two months as the two firms battle to hive off areas of distribution from each other. Locals took to social media platforms, on the proposal to expand the Murang'a municipality boundaries to Kaharati in the Kigumo constituency. This would allow Muwasco to start to distribute water to areas currently under Muswasco expanding its revenue and customer base. Most of the residents were against the proposal citing fear of the county government levies. Nginda Ward MCA John Mwangi supported the proposal, noting Nginda residents are aggrieved over the lack of water in the locality. The battle between the two firms began back in 2015 after the county government allowed Muwasco to operate in Maragua town, before the Water Regulatory Service Board (Wasreb) ordered Muwasco out. The emotive water wars between Murang'a North and South gained momentum even as local leaders feared getting involved over the potential political fallout. The Standard has learnt that the regulatory body Wasreb has called for a status quo awaiting a meeting to end the crisis between Muwasco and Kahuti water companies over the crisis. The conflict is a result of a proposal to hive off Ichagaki and Nginda wards from Murang'a South, and merge them with the Township Ward in Murang'a North served by Muwasco. Murang'a county has other water service providers namely Kahuti, Gatanga and Gatamathi. The plans to extend the boundaries failed two years ago after the board identified Muwasco to expand the services to Kaharati from the Maragua River Bridge. Local MCAs have hinted at a possible expansion of Murang'a Water boundaries through a motion at the county assembly targeting the two locations under Maragua town from Muswasco. Re-align boundaries Mwangi, who is a ward representative for Nginda, said there is a need for a policy to compel Wasreb re-align Murang'a water boundaries. "In Nginda ward, there are boreholes, and a water tank but the locals live without piped water. Muwasco has expertise in the sector," said the MCA. Jamleck Mwania, a resident of Kayuyu village, said Muwasco should first ensure all parts under its territory have enough water before moving to new places. "It is a pity that we have areas in Kayuyu, Maragua and Marewa, where the locals are waiting to be connected with piped water," said Mwania. Muwasco is also at war with Kahuti water company over the Kiangage area. Currently, there is demand for water in Maragua town following the completion of the Sh980 million Maragua dam. The dam was designed by the Ministry of Water targeting the distribution of water in lower Maragua and Kambiti for both domestic and irrigation. Peter Macharia, a resident, said there is a growing interest in the dam which is expected to distribute water to Maragua Ridge, Kambiti, Ichagaki and Nginda among other nearby areas to enhance food security. Macharia said, although the locals are demanding an improved water and sanitation programme, the county government should empower the existing service provider. "Wasreb's map on the distribution of water should be adhered to. I don't understand why there is a rush to alter the map with the completion of the 10 million litres capacity dam," said Macharia, a resident of Nginda. Jack Maribe, a resident of Mirira village said the county leadership should give direction as many parts of Kiharu have no piped water, yet Muwasco is targeting to expand the area of distribution. "The county government should ensure there is no conflict between the water companies," said Maribe. Muswasco Managing Director Ms Mary Nyaga said they are currently mapping out areas that require water after they have acquired the dam. Nyaga said Muswasco has a wide area for coverage thus required to produce more water for distribution. "The company inherited a dilapidated infrastructure and millions of shillings were allocated to clear, repair and replace the worn-out pipes," she said. Muswasco, according to Nyaga, inherited the Kandara project that was initiated in the 1970s by the late Kandara MP George Mwicigi. "This is one of the largest water companies in Kenya supplying water to Maragua, Kandara and Kigumo constituencies," said Nyaga. Muwasco Managing Director Daniel Ng'ang'a said he was not aware of the conflict since he was busy with service delivery. "I am on the ground working for the people and the management of the Municipality that proposed expansion of the Muwasco area of coverage," said Ng'ang'a. Murang'a County Water and Environment CEC Mary Magochi said she was aware of the raging conflict between the companies, promising to end them. "The government is aware of the problem in extending boundaries which will be resolved to ensure there is effective service to the one million population," said Eng Magochi. Managing Director at Kahuti water company Ephantus Kamau said there is a need for fairness in water distribution, with the management respecting the boundaries earmarked by the Water Service Regulatory Board (Wasreb). "There is a need for soberness in approaching issues since Maragua is supplied with water by Muswasco. Wasreb should step in and end the conflict," said Kamau.

Leaders keep off Murang'a water fights as residents demand action

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Leaders keep off Murang'a water fights as residents demand action

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