Maraa: Water, Sanitation and Irrigation Cabinet Secretary (CS) Eric Mugaa has directed contractors and implementing agencies to expedite completion of the Nthambo and Kanjogu Dam projects in Maraa Sub-county, Tharaka Nithi. The CS emphasized that the government will not tolerate prolonged delays in critical water infrastructure, particularly in areas where such projects aim to address perennial water shortages and support irrigation.
According to Kenya News Agency, the directive came during an inspection tour on Wednesday, where CS Mugaa noted that the two dams were procured in 2021 and have since stalled, prompting the Ministry’s intervention. Mugaa highlighted that Kanjogu Dam is currently at 52 percent progress, with expectations for its completion by June next year. He stressed the importance of these dams in ensuring water supply and serving the local population.
Accompanying Mugaa were the Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Tana Water Development Agency, Engineer Philip Gichuki, who is responsible for implementing water projects across Embu, Kirinyaga, Nyeri, Meru, and Tharaka Nithi counties. Mugaa informed that the Kanjogu Dam will have a capacity of 890,000 cubic meters of water, which will be harvested during heavy rains and used to regulate supply during dry seasons.
The CS outlined major national government water interventions underway in Tharaka Nithi County, including the Chogoria Sewerage Project (Sh 250 million), the Chogoria Water Project (Sh 230 million), the Chuka Water Project (Sh 410 million), and the Chuka Sewerage Project (Sh 230 million). To ensure that the benefits reach households, Mugaa mentioned that the government has allocated funds for last-mile connectivity, partly supported by the African Development Bank (AfDB).
Maara Member of Parliament (MP), Kareke Mbiuki, who accompanied the CS, welcomed the Ministry’s intervention, noting that the stalled water projects had long denied residents the opportunity to harvest water during rainy seasons to use during drought. Mbiuki expressed gratitude to the Kenya Kwanza government under President William Ruto for prioritizing water development and assured collaboration with the Ministry to ensure residents benefit from these projects.
