Meru water projects face push for faster completion

The implementation of water projects in Imenti Central Constituency, Meru County, has come under renewed scrutiny after Cabinet Secretary for Water, Sanitation and Irrigation Eng. Eric Mugaa directed the implementing agency to take action over a contractor’s absence from the construction site.

During an inspection of the Kaari Water Project in Katheri location, Mugaa said the project was 60 per cent complete but raised concerns over the contractor’s failure to remain on site. He directed the Tana Water Works Development Agency (TWWDA) to invoke relevant contractual clauses and consider alternative measures to accelerate the works and ensure timely completion.

The inspection was conducted alongside public participation forums for three other water projects: Baraka-Kimuri, Weru and Kaathi Mutethia, all located in Imenti Central Constituency.

The Kaari Water Project involves the rehabilitation of the existing main water line, transmission main line and distribution pipelines, as well as the construction or improvement of a Break Pressure Tank (BPT). These components are intended to strengthen the movement and distribution of water through the supply network.

The Break Pressure Tank is an important part of a water transmission system, helping to regulate pressure as water moves through pipelines, particularly across areas with changes in elevation. Its inclusion in the project is expected to support the operation of the rehabilitated network.

According to Mugaa, the projects are expected to expand access to clean and safe water for more than 5,000 residents once completed. Improved water supply is also expected to support food production and strengthen the economic resilience of communities in the area.

Reliable water access is particularly important for households and agricultural activities, where shortages can affect domestic needs, livestock keeping and small-scale food production. Strengthening local water infrastructure can therefore help communities reduce the challenges associated with unreliable supply.

The public participation forums for Baraka-Kimuri, Weru and Kaathi Mutethia provided an opportunity to engage local communities on the proposed water interventions. Such consultations allow residents and other stakeholders to participate in discussions about projects that affect their access to essential services.

The Cabinet Secretary was accompanied by Central Imenti Member of Parliament Moses Kirima Nguchine, Nominated Member of Parliament Dorothy Muthoni, National Government Administration Officers and local leaders.

The directive to TWWDA places emphasis on the need for closer supervision of ongoing water infrastructure works, particularly where delays threaten the timely delivery of services to intended beneficiaries.

With Kaari at 60 per cent completion, attention will now be on the agency’s response to the contractor’s absence and the measures taken to move the project towards completion. The proposed works in Baraka-Kimuri, Weru and Kaathi Mutethia will also be important in extending water services to more communities across Imenti Central.