row resolved
The controversy that threatened to stall the multi million giant Ngalalya Water project in Matungulu District, Machakos County has been resolved.
Water and Irrigation Minister Charity Ngilu visited the site to declare that local would first be supplied with water before it is supplied elsewhere. Her visit came a week after Kangundo MP Johnson Muthama backed down from his previous push to have water supplied to places further on before the locals can enjoy the commodity.
Mrs Ngilu flew to the area and declared that the State would fund the project to the tune of Sh 120 million to ensure water reached deserving areas of Kangundo along which the pipeline would pass.
Mr Muthama agreed with the agitated residents of Matuu to tilt the implementation plan and have water first supplied to areas adjacent to the water source-Ngalalya.
Accompanied by a water Engineer from Tana and Athi Water Board, Titus Mwamati and Matungulu District Water Engineer, Mr Matingi, Muthama bowed to pressure from area residents to have the water given out to the area residents first.
The phase one of the project is to have water supplied to Kisukioni Market, which is the Headquarters of the new Matungulu District, then Tala Market, but the residents had threatened to use force and stop the project unless they receive the commodity before it goes to Tala.
Muthama agreed with the hundreds of the residents who had attended the rally at the site of the water project that it was a priority for the water to be supplied to Kisukioni Market which also houses the offices of the District Commissioner Patrick Mwangi who also attended the rally and other government departmental offices.
The angry residents responded by Maji Haki Yetu (water is our right) when those who addressed the meeting including Parliamentary Aspirant Stephen Mule and councilors including Kangundo Town Council Chairman Sammy Mweki greeted them.
Mwangi said the law would take its course and warned the residents against attempting to destroy or tamper with the ongoing project.The residents had vowed to remove water pipes unless the water is supplied to them first.
However it was celebration when Muthama backed the residents and agreed that water engineers constructing the pipeline need to satisfy the needs of the locals.
Muthama who has declared his interest for the Machakos County Senator post received an overwhelming endorsement from the residents after he agreed to have the plan changed to suit their demands.Ngalalya water project can supply the whole of Matungulu district residents.
