WATER PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED IN GICHUGU

WATER PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED IN GICHUGU.
JANE MUGAMBI 6TH MARCH 2012.
The government will send a team to resolve the long dispute over the
management of Njuki-ini/Ngariama water project in Gichugu
constituency, Water assistant minister Ferdinand Waititu has said.

Water assistant minister Ferdinard Waititu said the crisis which has
affected the provision of water to 20,000 residents was regrettable
adding that residents should be left to run their project.

He said the ministry will be deploying senior technical staff to the
troubled Gichugu Water and Sanitation Trust to address issues raised
by residents.

Waititu said the dispute which has been sparked by water charges has
interrupted water flow to schools, health facilities and other
institutions.

The assistant minister spoke during public rallies in Kiamutugu and
Githure shopping centres in Kirinyaga County while accompanying Vice
President Kalonzo Musyoka in a tour of the region.

“We want the dispute resolved once and for all to ensure water
distribution is not interrupted,” said the Embakasi Mp.

Residents have accused the water company of forcefully taking their
project which they initiated in 1979 and started charging them monthly
bills.

The dispute has led to vandalism of supply pipes cutting the flow to
scores of farmers.

But on the other hand the water trust has accused large scale
consumers who use the commodity for pulping coffee of resisting the
billing system.

Waititu however said the residents should be allowed to run their
projects without interference and was applauded by the crowd.