Panel of experts to scrutinize Muranga water project

Panel of experts to scrutinize Muranga water project

The implementer of Northern Collector Tunnel, NCT, the Athi Water Services Board (AWSB) has moved to address the unending queries surrounding the mega water project in Murang’a County.

In a statement, AWSB said that an independent panel of experts formed on August 16, 2016 is already in place to review issues regarding the Ksh 6.8 billion project.

The five-member panel is headed by Eng Japhet K. Rutere, who is the principal dam specialist in the project and comprises of Dr George Dounias, Angelina Nduta Mwenda, Charity Gathuthi and Dr Loannis Karavokyris.

AWSB Chief Executive Director, Malaquen Milgo, insists that the project went through rigorous scrutiny from environmentalists, construction engineers, Murang’a County leaders as well as the public before implementation work commenced.

According to AWSB boss, NCT project passed the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment, ESIA, from the National Environmental Management Authority, NEMA, and subsequently obtained the nod to go ahead into the implementation phase.

The statement claimed that consultation forums were held in various venues in Murang’a County to take into considerations issues raised by the county residents.

The Northern Collector Tunnel, when completed, is expected to inject additional 140,000 cubic metres on water into the current supply in Nairobi and Kiambu Counties.

The project has recently became the epicenter of Jubilee-CORD politics after the CORD leader Raila Odinga came out to questions its implementation secrecy and environmental impact.

Odinga claimed that the project would lead to desertification of Murang’a County, Ukambani region and Tana River delta.

The CORD brigade also claim that the project is meant to drain water from Aberdare catchment area into private cities, undertaken by Jubilee politicians in Ruiru, Kiambu County.

Murang’a county leadership is heavily divided over the project.

Political affiliation is seen to play a major role in the water project debate.

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Northern collector tunnel murang'a water project Athi water services board

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