Gichugu: More than 50,000 residents of Gichugu Constituency are set to benefit from a Sh200 million water project following a public participation forum led by area MP Robert Gichimu.
According to Kenya News Agency, the public engagement meeting was held at Ithareini Village, Kabare Ward and brought together residents, leaders, and technical officers to deliberate on the proposed project before implementation begins. The project will draw supply from Muratiri, Kerugoya, Kutus, Kagio, and Sagana water projects and is designed to address a longstanding water shortage that affected households, schools, health facilities, and farmers in the constituency.
Speaking during the forum, Gichimu stated that the public participation exercise was meant to ensure that the voices of residents are incorporated into the planning and execution of the project, in line with the Constitution's requirement for citizen involvement in development initiatives. He emphasized the importance of public participation in delivering projects that meet the needs of the people.
According to the legislator, residents have strongly embraced the project, citing its potential to improve access to clean and reliable water for both domestic and agricultural uses. He explained that the project will be implemented in phases, with the first phase focusing on the construction of the main water transmission line. The second phase will involve last-mile connections to households and institutions, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
The legislator disclosed that the project is valued at Sh200 million, funded through Integrated Development and Equalisation Programme (IDEP) savings, with other resources pooled from various development allocations to maximize impact. Upon completion, the project is expected to significantly improve living standards and support farming activities, particularly small-scale irrigation.
The MP assured residents that their feedback would be documented and forwarded to the relevant implementing agencies, reiterating his commitment to championing development projects that uplift livelihoods and promote inclusive growth. He added that once completed by the end of 2026, the project will not only improve access to clean water but also support economic activities, enhance food security, and contribute to overall socio-economic development in Gichugu Constituency.
Residents who attended the forum expressed optimism, saying the project will bring an end to years of hardship caused by unreliable and unsafe water sources. Grace Wanjiku, a resident of Ithareini village, mentioned that many families have been forced to rely on nearby rivers for water, exposing them to health risks. She highlighted the potential benefits of the project, such as establishing kitchen gardens and improving nutrition.
Another resident, Mugoh Mwaura, called on the government to fast-track the project, expressing the community's readiness to support its implementation. Local leaders who attended the meeting emphasized the importance of community ownership, urging residents to protect the infrastructure once installed to ensure long-term sustainability.