Maragua: Residents of Maragua town within Murang’a South sub-county have cherished the government’s intervention to ensure steady access to clean water. After the area was put under the jurisdiction of Murang’a Water and Sanitation Company (Muwasco), the residents argue sanitation and cleanliness within the town have been improved.
According to Kenya News Agency, since 2023, when President William Ruto directed that Maragua Dam be managed by Muwasco, more than 20,000 homesteads in Maragua town and its environs have been connected with clean water for domestic use. By the end of January, Muwasco also rehabilitated and commissioned a public sanitation facility located in Maragua Market near the main stage.
The facility was designed to significantly improve sanitation in the town, benefiting not only the market and the stage but also the broader community. The sanitation block was put under management by a group of local youth with the aim of elevating the quality of life for residents by fostering a cleaner environment while also providing economic opportunities for those operating the facility.
On Monday, the residents observed that with a stable supply of clean water, the rate of waterborne diseases, especially among children, has declined. Beatrice Nyambura, a business lady who operates in the town, said Maragua used to be a dirty market due to a lack of water negatively affecting their sales. She said many people used to be affected by waterborne diseases due to consuming unclean water and lauded the government for the construction of the Maragua Dam, which has seen ease of access to clean water.
‘We appreciate Muwasco for ensuring our town has access to water without disruption. When we were under another water company, we struggled to get water from our taps,’ stated Nyambura. One Gideon Muriu appreciated the construction of the ablution block at the centre of the town, saying the facility has improved sanitation. ‘Conducting business in dirty places is very disheartening but currently we are a happy community after our water company constructed a sanitation block at the centre of this town. The facility is well managed and water is available all the time,’ he added.
Kenneth Maguta, who operates a medical centre within the town, said with the availability of water, the town has witnessed an increased number of investors. Maguta averred that more than five factories, including those majoring in the processing of dairy products, have been established within the outskirts of Maragua. ‘Water is a very key prerequisite for investments. We appreciate the water firm and the government for ensuring Maragua has a continuous water supply and this will see booming businesses in the town,’ he said, adding that according to his hospital records, cases of waterborne diseases among the locals have reduced.
The residents appealed that areas within Maragua, which are not connected with water be put under the jurisdiction of Muwasco. They argued public institutions like hospitals and schools, which are outside Muwasco’s area of jurisdiction, suffer for lack of water. Deputy Head Teacher of Kaharo Boys School Gilbert Githinji appealed to the government to consider having his school and the surrounding area put under Muwasco. ‘We appeal to the President to also direct parts of Maragua Sub County which are not covered by Muwasco to be put under the water company. We really need water in our institutions, as students spend a lot of time going to fetch water from unhygienic sources,’ said Githinji.
Muwasco Corporate Communications Manager Jacob Mbuthia said the water company is committed to advancing the well-being of the local community through strategic water. He added that Muwasco is actively pursuing the Maragua sewerage project, which promises to be a transformative development for the local residents.