water provision

Kirinyaga County governor will spend over 50 million shilling this financial year to supply both domestic and irrigation water in arid areas of the County. According to county governor Joseph Ndathi his administration is determined to ensure water supply is evenly distributed in all corners of the County Speaking after commissioning a 7 million shillings Kenera women water project at Difathas in Mwea, The governor revealed that water projects has been given first priority since most of the area faces an acute water problem. He said that lack of water for irrigation especially in agricultural rich area has resulted in to a biting drought since many crops dry up for lack of water. Mr Ndathi observed that with proper distribution of water farmers will be able to produce enough for local consumption and to feed neighboring county and export. Accompanied by county executive member in charge of environment and water Dr Joseph Muthike, Ndathi revealed that many projects will be facilitated with finances so that they can be able to construct water tanks and buy pipes to supply water. Among the projects to benefit with county funding are Kiangai water project which has be given 10 million shillings,Kiandai water project 3 million Nguka 9 million shillings and South Ngariama water project which has been given initial funding of 3 million shillings. The projects according to governor will be supported by county government even after completion and the county government will be responsible for mentainance and any other civil works. Residents will not be allowed to pay any cent to use the money for irrigations or for domestic as the county government will be responsible. The county government he insisted is determined to ensure no water project stall or collapses under their watch pointing that managements of the water projects will be streamline to ensure people of high moral caliber lead the projects. County CEC in charge of water Joseph Muthike revealed that the county government is in the process of formulating water policy which will guide water provision in the County. He said that his ministry is in the process of formulating a policy which will later be drafted as an Act to be passed by county assembly. Dr Muthike said that the act will be much help as it will be able to guide water management in the county saying that currently there is no policy guiding the water management in the county. At the same time the governor faulted some leaders who he said have formed an habit of misleading public on every project the county government plan to undertake. He said that some leaders have been criss-crossing the county inciting the residents against the county government. The governor told the politicians to read the finance bill properly before they start misreporting the facts. “Don’t know where this people are getting this figures our finance bill has nothing that has been increased, the boda boda people are paying 20/- the 50/- being said I being the governor does not know where the figure came from” said Ndathi. HE said that his priority is to serve Kirinyaga people and not to engage in politics as part of his campaign promises. Ends………………………………………………………