Meru: Cabinet Secretary for Water and Irrigation Eric Mugaa has assured residents of Igembe in Meru County that the region’s persistent water shortages will soon be a thing of the past, following the allocation of Sh250 million to rehabilitate dams in Nyambene Forest. Speaking during a church fundraising service at Kautine SDA Church on Saturday, Mugaa said the government has prioritised water access, noting that mapping has already confirmed the availability of adequate water resources in the area.
According to Kenya News Agency, Mugaa stated that Igembe has sufficient water resources, citing a successful test pumping at Mwerongundu that produced 10,000 litres per hour. Plans are underway to pipe this water to Laare market. The CS clarified that the Sh250 million will be used to rehabilitate four dams located in Nyambene Forest, which are expected to supply water across the wider Nyambene region once fully restored. The rehabilitation will be conducted in partnership with the Tana Water Works Development Agency.
Mugaa also pledged to follow up on stalled projects, including the Nairuru water project, and to oversee the drilling of additional boreholes, among them one at KK Baithai. Igembe North MP Julius Taitumu urged residents to support the national government, emphasizing that development projects are tied to political goodwill and continuity in leadership. Taitumu noted that public officials are appointed by the sitting authority, and cooperation with the government can ensure continuity and completion of development projects.
Taitumu highlighted ongoing development efforts in the constituency, mentioning road infrastructure such as the Sh1.7 billion Kaelo-Kinanduba-Marere road, along with improvements in schools, electricity connectivity, and laboratories. He encouraged voter registration, saying a strong voter base would allow residents to influence development priorities and sustain government support for key projects.
Former Igembe North MP Joseph M’Eruaki attributed the region’s water challenges to leadership gaps rather than lack of natural resources. He recalled ongoing projects during his tenure aimed at distributing water across Igembe North, expressing optimism that the current administration would revive and complete them. Eruaki emphasized that improved infrastructure and government investment, including training institutions, would play a key role in curbing insecurity in the region.
Eruaki urged residents to evaluate leaders based on their vision and commitment to development before electing them, saying informed choices are key to addressing long-standing challenges such as water scarcity and insecurity.
