Murang’a: Residents served by Murang’a South Water and Sanitation Company (MUSWASCO) may soon benefit from lower water tariffs following a push by the County Government to have the rates reduced. The residents, especially from parts of Kigumo sub-county and where the company sources water from, have occasionally resorted to the destruction of water infrastructure belonging to MUSWASCO to vent their anger on increased tariffs, resulting in major inconveniences to users.
According to Kenya News Agency, in the recent past, the residents, particularly from Kinyona ward, have been engaged in conflicts with workers of the company as they demand lower water rates, which has led to county government intervention. Following the intervention by Governor Irungu Kang’ata, the county government confirmed that it had written to the Water Services Regulatory Board (WASREB) requesting a reduction of the tariffs from the current Sh107 to Sh88 per cubic meter.
Murang’a Executive Committee Member for Water Mary Magochi emphasized that reducing the cost of water would ease tensions between MUSWASCO and the local community. She urged Kinyona residents to be patient as the administration had already reached out to WASREB for the tariff reduction following the residents’ grievances.
Additionally, the county government proposed taking over MUSWASCO’s administration from the national government, arguing that local management would enhance efficiency and enable quicker responses to future similar issues, preventing further damage to infrastructure. Ms. Magochi noted that a persistent dispute between MUSWASCO and residents of Kinyona and Karinga villages had led to the destruction of key infrastructure, affecting water supply in surrounding areas.
Murang’a County Secretary Newton Mwangi stated that the other four water firms operating in Murang’a have already transferred their ownership to the county government. He emphasized that only MUSWASCO remained under the national government’s control and that transferring the firm under county administration would address some water-related conflicts urgently.
Mwangi further urged the national government to expedite the completion of the Kinyona irrigation project, highlighting its potential to support local farmers and boost livelihoods in Kinyona and Karinga areas within Kigumo ward. He noted that if delays persisted, the county government would consider implementing a smaller-scale irrigation scheme in the next financial year to support local farmers.