Water and Sanitation CS orders contractor to complete water project

Water and Sanitation CS Sicily Kariuki drives an excavator during the launch of a Sh684 million water and sewage project in Ol Kalou, Nyandarua County [File]

Water and Sanitation Cabinet Secretary Sicily Kariuki has directed the contractor of the Sh684 million Ol’ Kalou water and sewerage project to finish works within two months. The deadline lapsed in December last year.

“We have given the contractor an additional two months to complete the work, failure to which we will cancel the tender. We have to deliver on what we promised to residents,” said Ms Kariuki.

The CS said that the project, which is funded by the African Development Bank and the National Government, is expected to be commissioned by President Uhuru Kenyatta.

“Once completed, we want to urge the President to come to the ground and see what we have done as part of his team. He personally promised the people of Nyandarua that he will deliver and for sure, they are set to benefit from his legacy,” Kariuki told The Standard.

According to the CS, the project - the first such undertaking in the County and which is being constructed on 26 acres of land at Mathathi area - was scheduled to be completed in December but it was derailed by land succession issues.

This project scope entails Construction of a Water treatment plant with a capacity of 2000 cubic meters a day and a 38-kilometre waste water network.

On completion, Ms Kariuki said that Ol Kalou’s daily water supply will be 3,700 cubic metres, more than double the current 1,700 cubic metres, with over 500 consumer connections.

She said that the plant will elevate the status of Ol Kalou town in terms of the land value.

The CS urged the county security team led by the county commissioner’s office to give the contractor necessary support including security to ensure timely completion of the project.

Ms Kariuki who spoke at the plant’s construction site in Mathathi area in the outskirts of Ol Kalou town revealed that projects worth more than Sh3.8 billion will be implemented in the County this financial year.

Central Rift Valley Water Works Development Agency chairman Amb. Benson Muhia, said the project was critical because the region has always experienced water problems.