Managers of water firms clash over control of dam

One of the pipes that will distribute 15,000 cubic metres of water from Maragua Dam to Maragua town and its environs. [Boniface Gikandi, Standard]

Senior officials managing two water companies are battling for the control of Maragua Dam in Murang'a County.

At the centre of the tussle is a Sh800 million water facility constructed by Athi Water Works Development Agency (AWWDA) which Murang'a South Water Company (Muswasco) and Murang'a Water Company (Muwasco) are seeking to control.

In July, a public meeting was conducted on plans to expand the municipality areas which would require an additional water company to supply water.

The resolution of the stakeholders meeting has been contested by Muswasco, alleging that areas eyed by Muwasco are under its jurisdiction as directed by the Water Regulatory Service Board.

As the controversy escalated, Muswasco moved to court a week ago to block the County Government of Murang'a, Municipality Board, Muwasco and Water Regulatory Service Board from implementing resolutions of a public participation meeting.

The petition seeks to quash the decision of the public meeting on the review of the municipality boundaries. Muswasco Managing Director Mary Nyaga said the dam was under the control of the board and that they were not aware of the emerging issues.

She said the board was in control of the Maragua Dam, as it sourced for funds from the government for construction and placing water distribution networks. "We are in charge of the dam as per the policies from the Ministry of Water and the regulatory body," said Nyaga.