Nyeri water eye for dams to meet demand to avert dry taps

Water company seeking for funds to mitigate

By The Mountain Journal team in Nyeri

Environmental degradation and human activity along Chania River are some of the factors threatening the future water supply of Nyeri town residents.

Unless the trend is stopped in the long run the locals will experience dry taps and forced to transport water from far points.

Through the Nyeri Water and Sanitation Company (Nyewasco), the town has enjoyed the best water service in the country for the last 12 years but it says in its five-year strategic plan covering the years 2021/ 22- 2025/26 that an insecure intake threatens its ability to retain the top rank position.

Under the year plan, Nyewasco is hoping to build a water reservoir along the Chania and Zaina rivers to mitigate dwindling water levels.

Speaking during the launch of the strategic plan, Nyewasco Acting Managing Director Eng. Peter Kahuthu explained the company would be working towards strategic partnerships with Tana Water Works Development Agency and the county government to set up the infrastructure.

Initially Nyewasco relied on three water sources for its supply on rivers Nairobi, Chania and Muringato Rivers. However for now the Chania River is the only source and with continued human activity along the river and climatic changes, there is a need to create water reserves for the future,” he said.

The plan also recorded the current challenges facing the future of the company including an old and dilapidated supply network, meeting water demands of a growing population, and increasing cost of water production (chemical and energy).

Kahuthu also noted the company was seeking to expand its water sewerage coverage in the area it covers.

While water provision is at 98 percent coverage for over 100,000 residents’ sewer coverage is at 33 percent which is to be improved with a five year strategic plan.

Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga said that Nyewasco has become a success story that spurred other water companies in the county to improve their services.

“I know there was a challenge in the governance of some of the water companies, and there were proposals to merge them with Nyewasco but they have improved and will remain independent,” he said.

Nyewasco has faced controversy over their recent tariff reviews which saw the company change their tariff charges for customers based on consumption.

“Nyeri residents can rest easy knowing there will not be any water charges reviewed for the next five years,” Kahiga said.

The strategic plan also proposes to implement pro poor policies to ensure availability of water in low income areas.

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