On July 31, 2024, the Meru County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Water and Irrigation, Jackson Muthamia, led the commissioning of the Mitunguu Water Project. The project, which aims to rehabilitate the water infrastructure in the region, was fully funded by the Water Sector Trust Fund through the County Government of Meru.
The Mitunguu Water Project seeks to address long-standing challenges in water service provision by implementing strategic upgrades to the system. With a total budget of KES 18,279,870, the project focuses on ensuring a more reliable and efficient water supply to the residents of Mitunguu.
Objectives of the Project
The Mitunguu Water Project has been designed with the following key objectives:
Installation of a New Pipeline and Reticulation System – The project aims to eliminate illegal water connections, which have been a major cause of water loss and inefficiency.
Promoting Hygiene and Livelihoods – By improving water accessibility and quality, the project is expected to boost hygiene standards and enhance the livelihoods of the local population.
Increasing Water Connectivity – The new system will increase the number of connected households, bringing water services to areas that previously had limited or no access.
Reducing Non-Revenue Water (NRW) – By addressing illegal connections and leakages, the project will significantly reduce water loss, which has been a major financial drain for the water company.
Increasing Average Service Hours – With a more robust infrastructure, the water company will be able to offer longer and more reliable service hours to its customers.
Project Scope
The scope of the Mitunguu Water Project covers several critical areas of infrastructure development:
Laying of a 14.1 km HDPE Pipeline – The new pipeline includes varying diameters of 110 mm, 90 mm, 63 mm, 50 mm, and 32 mm to ensure adequate water flow and coverage across the region.
Installation of Valve Chambers and Control Systems – To regulate the water system, new valve chambers, section meters, sluice valves, and control valves are being installed.
Customer Connections – The project includes connecting new customers to the system, further increasing the accessibility of clean water in the area.
Addressing Critical Challenges
The Mitunguu Water Project is poised to resolve several long-standing challenges that have plagued the region’s water system:
High Levels of Non-Revenue Water – Caused by illegal connections and leakages, NRW has been a significant issue, reducing the financial viability of the water supply.
Low Service Hours – Inconsistent water service has led to frequent complaints from customers, which the project aims to address by increasing service hours.
High Number of Illegal Connections – These illegal connections have been a major source of water loss and infrastructure damage, which the new reticulation system will mitigate.
Frequent Pipe Bursts and Leakages – Aging infrastructure has resulted in many pipe bursts and leaks, reducing water availability and leading to costly repairs.
Low Connectivity – The project will expand water access to underserved areas, helping to meet the growing demand for water in the community.
Expected Outcomes
The successful completion of the Mitunguu Water Project will alleviate several problems that have previously affected water services in the region. It will:
Reduce customer complaints by providing a more consistent and reliable water supply.
Enhance customer satisfaction through increased service hours and better-quality water services.
Boost revenue for the water company by reducing water loss and increasing the number of paying customers.
By addressing these critical issues, the Mitunguu Water Project will play a vital role in improving water service delivery in the region, enhancing the quality of life for its residents, and contributing to the long-term sustainability of water resources in Meru County.
