County orders fresh poll at irrigation scheme

By JOSEPH MUCHIRI

The county government has ordered the disbandment of the management committee of a water irrigation scheme in Mbeere North District following the collapse of farming activities.

Agriculture executive member Dr Patrisio Njiru ordered fresh elections at the 100-member Kathigi-Ishiara Irrigation Scheme Cooperative Society after the current management refused to pave way for project rehabilitation.

Speaking after a tour of irrigation projects in the county, Dr Njiru said farmers have never utilised the water for horticulture as had been agreed when the government set up the 200-acre irrigation scheme.

“I was shocked to learn that a horticultural produce shed constructed by a donor agency had been turned into a nursery school while residents rely on relief food despite the permanent availability of water,” said Dr Njiru.

He said the project was initiated in 1954, but there was nothing happening on the ground since the residents had planted indigenous mango trees that could not allow the practice of the intended farming.

“We want to establish tissue culture bananas, yellow passions and other horticultural produce that would bring in a lot of money. We have given them eight weeks to conduct fresh elections so they can receive money for revival,” Dr Njiru said.