Makuyu Residents Appeal for Government Support in Water Connectivity

MARAGUA, Kenya — In the arid lands of Mugira, Makuyu, within Maragua constituency, residents are appealing to the county government for assistance in connecting to a newly sunk borehole, a venture initiated by a local well-wisher. The community has long faced challenges in accessing clean water, often traveling extensive distances to fetch water from a distant river, which is frequently contaminated due to upstream activities.

According to Kenya News Agency, local residents who spoke during the Saturday launch of the Mountain View Spring Water, the borehole represents a significant improvement in their daily lives, offering a clean water source closer to home. Jecinta Wambui, a resident of the area, highlighted the relief and potential domestic harmony the borehole brings, eliminating the need for lengthy trips in search of water. She called on the government to support the initiative by aiding in the installation of piping to distribute water directly to homes.

The borehole, drilled to a depth of 300 meters by Stephen Maina Mburu, the proprietor of Mountain View Spring Water Ltd, was inspired by the persistent water scarcity he witnessed in his community since childhood. Moved by the sight of his elderly father fetching water from afar in 2020, Mburu decided to invest in the borehole, which produced an abundance of fresh water. Following this discovery, he sought and received the necessary approvals from the Water Resources Authority (Warma) and the Water Services Regulatory Board (WASREB) to extend water services to the community.

Despite the challenges and financial costs involved in the project, Mburu expressed satisfaction in seeing his community access clean drinking water. He also encouraged young people from the area, particularly those working in distant urban centers, to contribute to their home communities’ development.

The water project, which includes the borehole, water tank, piping installation, an office, and a water kiosk, came at an infrastructure cost of Sh30 million and is expected to benefit over 10,000 residents across Makuyu ward. Mburu has appealed to the county government for further assistance with piping to ensure all residents can access the water, enhancing the area’s productivity and living conditions.