Igambangombe farmers rejoice as 17-year wait ends with launch of multimillion irrigation project
Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki during launch of Kamuthiga Irrigation Water Project in Igambango'mbe ward. Photo/Alex Njeru.
By Faith Mwanza, Faith Nkatha and Alex Njeru
After waiting for 17 years to see their dream become a reality, hundreds of farmers in Igambang’ombe Ward are celebrating the launch of the Kamuthiga Irrigation Water Project, thanks to Tharaka Nithi County Government.
The KSh150 million project, launched by Governor Muthomi Njuki alongside County Assembly Speaker John Mbabu is expected to transform agriculture in the semi-arid parts of Chuka/Igambang’ombe Constituency by providing a reliable water supply for irrigation throughout the year.
Speaking at Itugururu Agricultural Institute after commissioning the project at the Mwembe Tayari area, Governor Njuki said the initiative forms part of his administration’s agricultural empowerment agenda aimed at enhancing food security, improving livelihoods and stimulating economic growth.
The project will benefit more than 600 farmers from Itugururu, Gaciegoki, Kathoge, Karangi, Kithanya, Kiamurungi, Kangangi and Kandega villages, among other areas.
“This project will greatly help our people to improve agriculture and that is why I am committed to completing it,” said Governor Njuki.
According to the governor, the irrigation scheme was first conceived 17 years ago but remained on paper due to a lack of funding. The project finally took off after the county government allocated KSh150 million for its implementation.
Speaker Mbabu praised Governor Njuki for spearheading transformative development projects across the county, saying significant progress had been made since he assumed office in 2017.
“A lot has been achieved under Governor Njuki’s leadership, especially in agriculture, infrastructure and water development,” said Mbabu.
County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture Njue Njagi noted that food production in the county had improved significantly due to various county government interventions, including the provision of certified seeds and investment in irrigation infrastructure.
Governor Njuki announced that he would launch another water project in Maara Constituency today and a similar project in Tharaka Constituency on Friday as part of efforts to ensure equitable development across the county.
He also criticized politicians whom he accused of attempting to sabotage county government projects, saying such actions would not derail his administration’s development agenda.
Among the beneficiaries, Lucy Muthoni recalled how residents came together 17 years ago to conceptualize the irrigation project, only for it to stall due to financial constraints.
“We thank our governor for financing this project because we had lost hope in it. It will help us not only fight hunger but also engage in agribusiness,” said Ms Muthoni.
Another farmer, John Mutembei, condemned leaders who politicize development projects, saying wananchi should reject such leaders.
“It is wrong for any politician to oppose projects that are meant to improve the lives of the people,” he said.
During the event, Njuki also reiterated his commitment to the construction of the embattled Itugururu Airstrip, arguing that the facility would open up the area for economic growth and investment.
He faulted politicians who had moved to court to stop the project, insisting that the airstrip would eventually be completed and made operational.
“When I came into office in 2017, I had to move people who had been allocated the airstrip land by my predecessor for farming because it would have eventually been grabbed,” said the governor.
The launch of the Kamuthiga Irrigation Water Project is expected to boost year-round farming, reduce dependence on rainfall and strengthen food security in one of the county’s traditionally dry regions.
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