A section of Maragua town residents has lauded the recent stability in water supply, attributing it to the operationalization of the Maragua Dam.
According to the residents, access to clean and uninterrupted water became a reality after President William Ruto directed the Murang’a Water and Sanitation Company (Muwasco) to connect parts of Maragua constituency to the dam’s water supply.
The directive, issued in 2023, saw the national government facilitate the necessary infrastructure, significantly improving water availability in the area.
However, fresh controversy over the mega dam’s management has emerged, with Maragua residents urging an end to water politics, fearing potential disruptions to their supply.
Some groups have accused Muwasco of diverting water from the dam to neighbouring Kiharu constituency, claims that the water utility has dismissed.
Muwasco’s Managing Director, Eng. Isaac Gitogo, refuted the allegations, terming them as baseless propaganda. He explained that Kiharu is located on the upper side of the dam, making it physically impossible to pump water against gravity.
Previously, Maragua fell under the jurisdiction of the Muswasco, which also serves Kigumo, Kandara and parts of Murang’a South.
Currently, Muwasco has connected over 50,000 households in Maragua town and lower parts of the constituency with clean water from the dam.
Residents who spoke to KNA highlighted the positive impact of the stable water supply on sanitation and daily life.
Charles Wang’ombe, a local resident, recounted how he struggled with inconsistent supply before Muwasco’s intervention, often receiving water only once a week.
He expressed concern that political interference could jeopardize the progress made so far.
“We are happy with the water services from Muwasco, and we don’t want political wrangles to interfere with the steady supply,” Wang’ombe said.
Another resident, Gideon Muriu, echoed similar sentiments, urging leaders to support Muwasco’s mandate to supply water from the multipurpose mega-dam.
“We must uphold the President’s directive and allow the water company to continue its work without interference,” Muriu stated.
He noted that the ongoing disputes have negatively impacted institutions like Kaharo Boys Secondary School, which has gone months without water.
The situation has forced students to fetch water from downstream daily as they await a resolution.
With President Ruto’s scheduled visit to Murang’a and the larger Mt. Kenya region, Maragua residents are calling on him to resist any attempts to sabotage the water connections they are currently benefiting from.
