Water Corporation, Tharaka Nithi County sign pact to develop water infrastructure

National Water Conservation and Pipeline Corporation (NWCPC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Tharaka Nithi County on development and management of water infrastructure at the county.

The partnership is hoped will help reduce lengthy procurement process and improve efficiency in provision of water to the Tharaka Nithi residents.

Samuel Ragwa, the governor of Tharaka Nithi said 187 million shillings has been set aside for the purpose of water conversation at the county but at the same time expressed fears that the monies could be misappropriated if proper channels are not put in place.

Some additional Sh400 million has been set aside by Water Services Trust Fund to develop water infrastructure.

Most regions across the country experience shortage of water, leading to the spread of waterborne diseases, waste of time by women and children in search of water. Availability of water is therefore expected will improve economic status at the county.

NWCPC Director John Kangogo assured the County officials of quality work in construction of dams, water pans, and any other water works.

The parties agree to collaborate in key among other areas to develop and manage water infrastructure, to enhance water security and storage, provide good management of water services as a mitigation of drought and flood effects in a sustainable manner, as well construction of dams to boost water supplies.

Other key areas include creation of effective schemes of flood control by land drainage and construction of dykes, maintenance of existing and expanding bulk water supply to water service and other water service providers, drilling, test pumping, and equipping of boreholes and bridging the gap between the demand and supply of water.

Reporting by Leonard Kinyanjui