Murang’a Governor Mwangi Wa Iria has urged the Nairobi Water & Sewerage Company and the Ministry of Water to come clean on the usage of Ndakaini Dam water.
Wa Iria said it is puzzling that many parts of Nairobi are still experiencing water rationing despite Ndakaini Dam being full.
“Something is not adding up here because when the dam is low the taps are dry and now it is full the situation is the same” he said.
“We need clear answers where this water is going to. Do we have a leakage somewhere or what?” he asked.
He said this is a clear indication that the dam is not effectively serving the people of Nairobi and Murang’a counties.
Speaking during a tour of the dam on Tuesday, Wa Iria queried why Murang’a people haven’t been allowed to use the dam’s water.
“Currently the dam is spilling and all the water is being discharged back to the river and it will go to waste yet the people here have piped water” he said.
The governor said the excess water should be tapped and supplied to the locals.
“We should not allow the water to go to waste whereas it can be reserved for future use during the dry season,” he said.
The governor has been pushing for the locals to get a share of Ndakaini water, a stance opposed by Water Principal Secretary Joseph Wairagu.
“The point of departure between me and Wairagu is that he has been adamant to allow the locals to benefit from this water,” he added.
He said only 30 percent of the residents have access to clean water despite having the biggest water reservoir in the area.
Wa Iria accused PS Wairagu using the water docket for political gains.
“We have been assured that the dam is safe by the experts and there is no cause of alarm for the locals,” he said.
