Meru: Cabinet Secretary for Water Engineer Eric Mugaa has announced that Meru Municipality's Sewerage and Water project is expected to be completed by June this year. Speaking at Ncabuene in Imenti North, Mr. Mugaa confirmed that he has communicated with the project contractor and agreed that the project must be completed within the specified timeline.
According to Kenya News Agency, the project, which was launched in 2021, has been delayed and should be expedited to ensure that it benefits the residents. Mr. Mugaa stated that the contractor has agreed to commission a mega sewerage and water project in Meru Municipality, the county headquarters, by June this year. The project includes the construction of a treatment plant as well as mega sewerage trunks to serve the municipality and its environs.
Mr. Mugaa emphasized the need to dignify sanitation facilities in Meru Municipality, similar to efforts being made in other parts of the country. Recognizing that the trunk sewers may not be accessible to small-scale landlords, he announced that the government has allocated Sh200,000 for last mile connectivity to connect residents in rural areas to the sewer system.
Furthermore, Mr. Mugaa mentioned that the government is seeking funds for similar projects in other municipalities in the county, such as Timau and Nkubu town. In Maua Municipality, the contractor is already working on last mile connectivity for a sewerage system constructed in 2009.
He also highlighted the underutilization of underground water in the country, particularly in semi-arid areas like Igembe Central, Igembe North, and parts of Buuri. The government plans to use this resource to ensure sufficient domestic and irrigation water for every homestead. Mr. Mugaa added that the government's goal is to prevent hunger among Kenyan women and children and reduce the country's reliance on imported food items.