Kenya needs to reverse the dubious distinction of lagging behind other East African nations in the provision of water.
Speaking during a Public Participation forum on five year Strategic Plan of Tana Water Works Development Agency, the Board chairman Wanyaga Gathaka pledged to ensure that the region continues to lead in the service.
Gathaka noted that previous governments prioritised infrastructural development, placing the water and sanitation in the back burner. “Previous governments prioritised roads and other infrastructural developments almost ignoring water, a development the Kenya Kwanza government is determined to reverse,” averred the water agency chairman.
In the meeting attended by various stakeholders from Meru, Embu, Tharaka Nithi, Kirinyaga and Nyeri counties at the White Rhino Hotel in Nyeri town, the ageny’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Eng. Phillip Gichuki assured residents that on completion of ongoing projects, the region will have reached a 65 per cent provision of the basic commodity to the over 4 million inhabitants.
“By the time we actualise this strategic plan, we envisage to have provide close to 90 per cent of the inhabitants with water subject to availability of funds,” declared Eng. Gichuki.
“Our ultimate goal is not infrastructure but satisfying Wanjiku, which we will endeavor to actualise and remain the envy of all,” added the CEO.
The Ministry of Water, Irrigation and Sanitation Director in charge of Water and Sanitation Eng. Mary Wamaitha urged all stakeholders to join hands to actualise the government’s vision of access water to all by year 2030.
“All stakeholders need to have a concerted effort between the National and County governments and the private sector for an effective Public Private Partnership (PPP),” advised Eng. Wamaitha. According to the Agency’s Water, Sanitation and Infrastructure Manager Eng. Erastus Waweru, KSh63.7 billion is needed to achieve the strategic plan of providing about 90 per cent of the projected 4.8 inhabitants in the next four years.
The Engineer further underscored the importance enhancing human resource development, including the water policing unit.
Waweru emphasised the need to rope in more development partners for resourse mobilisation even as he acknowledged the significant role played by the agency’s major financier; African Development Bank that has contributed immensely towards almost all the projects in the region.