Murang’a water project part of Vision 2030 – CS Wamalwa

Water Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa says that the Northern Tunnel Project is part of Kenya’s Vision 2030.

Addressing stakeholders at a Nairobi hotel, Wamalwa said the project would not just help solve water problems in Nairobi, but Murang’a as well.

He said the project, launched by CORD leader Raila Odinga, during his time as Prime Minister under the Grand Coalition government, is one of the many water projects that the Jubilee administration is focused on launching in a bid to solve water issues in the country.

“There is nothing sinister about the water project. Under Article 23 of the Constitution, every Kenyan has a right to access water, and that is what we want to ensure,” the CS said, adding: “It is through these projects that Kenya will realise Vision 2030, otherwise it would just remain a beautiful document that would not translate to reality.”

The Water CS noted that he was ready to respond to concerns regarding the projects, adding that it is the right of the public to participate in all government projects under Article 10 of the Constitution.

“There are several legislators in Murang’a who had concerns over the project, and we have listened to them. We will continue engaging with them to ensure a better understanding of what the project is about,” he assured.

“We have a water master plan for the entire Muranga County with Ksh.50 million set aside to ensure the county resources are operational o now and generations to come,” the CS added.

Wamalwa assured residents that the Government is open to dialogue about the project, saying: “In the new Constitution, the people of Murang’a have a say in whatever projects are developed in their county and we are keen on observing such provision. Since public participation is a continuous and not one-off process, we will keep engaging with the locals to ensure a better understanding of the project.”

He said the government is ready to launch the project, dispelling claims that it had been clouded in secrecy.

He further said that the government will develop irrigation master plan to improve agriculture in the county.

“Over Ksh.700 million is to be pumped to the county to jumpstart stalled projects and provide water to farmers to improve water supply and national food security,” he said.

The Cabinet Secretary cautioned leaders from the coast region against politicising the project saying it doing so would only polarise the country.

“We assure Kenyans that this project will not affect Tana River, Garissa, Kwale or any other coastal town. We are just utilizing one percept of water from Tana River,” he said.

“I want to urge governors and leaders of counties in the Tana basin to desist from inciting the public. I will head to the Coast to engage them want on this project as well to ensure better understanding,” he said.

Since CORD leader Raila Odinga openly opposed the project last week, opinion has been divided over the safety of the project; a section of leaders have called for its suspension until the environmental concerns raised are addressed.

Raila had claimed that the project would turn Ukambani, Murang’a, Garissa, and Tana River regions to desert land, five years after its launch.

He further noted that the project would make Nairobi flood-prone due to large volumes of water that would be flowing into the capital.