New committee takes over water management ending leadership wrangle

Murang'a County Assembly

Two rival water management committees that have been fighting over control of a community water project have been dissolved.

Murang’a county government ordered dissolution of the two committees after they failed to amicably end wrangles that have affected Maragua Ridge-Kambiti water project that was funded by International Fund for Agricultural Development (Ifad) at a cost of Sh21 million in 1999.

Water and Irrigation Executive Paul Macharia ordered the dissolution of the two factions as a solution to end the wrangles and enable the county government take control and ensure local access water.

PIPED WATER

The project, Mr Macharia said was established to help distribute piped water to residents in Kigoro, Mung’etho, Muchagara and Kiambamba in semi-arid areas of Makuyu.

Trouble emerged upon completion of the multi-million shillings projects as rival factions led by Henry Kimani and Stanley Mwangi declared themselves bona fide officials followed by unending court battles as the office remained closed.

Decision to dismantle the committee was arrived at following demand by the residents to enable the government exercise its mandate.

Macharia moved to hold a public meeting after a mission to bring the two warring committees on a round table failed after it emerged that they were charging Sh200 per household per month.

The executive said all cartels will be eradicated to help the county government supply water to the residents at cheaper rates.

“After the meeting failed, I was left with no option but to seek for alternative,” said Macharia.