BY ELIJAH GICHUNGE

PHOTO: ANNCIETA MUKIRI

Meru County Borehole Water Management Committees have of late undergone a training on the Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) regulations, in order to enhance participatory planning, management and developing the sunken boreholes across the county.

This is in accordance with the constitution provisions on the economic and social rights that entitles everyone the right to clean and safe water in adequate quantities
The training was aimed at managing and operationalizes the boreholes in a way that balances social and economic needs of the people of Meru, while ensuring the ecosystems are protected. As well as ensuring the project’s sustainability.

Led by Robinson Kimari, Regional (Isiolo Ewasonyiro water catchment basin), Water Resource Authority, the training covered the operation & maintenance, governance, human resource, financial management and legal provisions that guards the water resources.

In his opening remarks, the Governor said his long term experience as a Member of Parliament, 25 years, he learnt how water can greatly boost people's economy.
"If you want a place to grow very fast, give it access to water. I was able to transform Mituguu to what it is today. No one liked it but today many people crave for the area which leads in banana production" Said the Governor, "In order to make Meru great, we must increase resources in the drier regions of Meru that extreme challenges of water." He added.

Kiraitu said for a stable borehole, each was done at a cost of sh.6 million from drilling to equipping. He said he is committed to channel more finances into water to lift the people of Meru.

Of the 97 boreholes drilled he said, 77 are fully equipped while 20 more are being fitted with solar panels, with the sinking of the remaining 3 ongoing in Amwathi.

The former CEC in charge of water, Misheck Mutuma God gave the Governor a vision to, prioritize water on this he was tasked to sink 100 boreholes eight-month timeline.
"Went through last regime’s records and found it had sunk 35 boreholes, with only 16 working. Further I found that in the history of our country there’s no governor who has ever made such historic benchmark by drilled 100 boreholes in such a timeline." - Misheck Mutuma.

Further he said the Governor has constant persistent. And this has made it possible although it wasn’t easy especially some areas in Igembe where the soil structure was loose.
According to Governor Kiraitu, the purpose of this dream was to reduce poverty and long treks people made, close to 25km, in quest for water, reduce conflicts in the grazing areas.

The CEC Water, Dr. Eunice Kobia who was the then CEC Health, emphasized on the need for teaming up in actualizing on the water agenda. She said water is a common denominator that contributes much health of both haves and have not.
"We are working to bring equality between the arid and semi-arid areas of the county. Let’s work together and not politick with the people’s problems. This is why the Governor directed that majority of the boreholes be sunk in the dry regions in order to end the perennial water problems."

The County Assembly Chair, Water Committee Hon. Romano Mwito, said water has been a perennial challenge especially in Igembe region, Tigania and parts of Buuri. The first Kiraitu water project has at least benefitted every Ward with 3 boreholes. He said his ward has 3 boreholes in just one year of Governor Kiraitu’s leadership unlike the 2 boreholes he got from a 5 year’s term of the former regime.

Hon. Peter Mutuma (Kalembe) who reported his ward to have 4 boreholes said "it is only a witch that is thankless. The Governor is working a lot. Let us all support his development agenda and also be accountable in our areas of jurisdiction"

On his part, Moses Kinyua, Mithara MCA said his Ward has 5 Kiraitu’s borehole. It is an honor the governor gave his people water, which was a major challenge to them.

David Kisela, Water Resource Authority, appealed to the committees to seek certificate of registration of the projects with Social Services in order to benefit more and expand the project in the near future. He futher advised them to open the group’s legal bank account, elect officials and maintain an updated record.
The training was also attended by the County Secretary, Dr. Rufus Miriti and Chief of Staff, who hailed the Governors initiative to give the people ownership of the boreholes.