Construction works on a 12km secondary sewer distribution and a two-kilometre stormwater drain in Ruiru, Kiambu County has commenced in bid to improve sanitation in the county. Kiambu Governor James Nyoro confirmed the report and said the government is committed to transforming the outlook and value of the property through the provision of proper sanitation services.
The project is being undertaken by the municipality under the Kenya Urban Support Programme at a cost of Sh 166m. The system will direct effluent and stormwater to trunk sewers at Gatharaine and Kiuu. The sewer system will start from Githurai through Kiuu to Kahawa Wendani, while the water drain will start from Chuma Mbili through Corner ya Bata to the Kiuu River.
In 2009 and 2010 Athi Water Works Development Agency, under the Water and Sanitation Service Improvement Project (WASSIP II), installed several trunk sewers to ease sewer connectivity to Githurai, Kiuu, Kahawa Sukari and Kahawa Wendani. However, secondary sewers to link these centres to the trunk sewers have not been constructed because of lack of finances.
Project benefit
Upon completion, the project will help get rid of the poor and unreliable septic tank system that lead to constant spillage and overflow in Githurai, Kiuu, and Kahawa Wendani residential areas. During the rainy season, residents are regularly displaced for two to three months as their homes become inaccessible because of septic effluent.
According to the project engineer, the project to be completed in one year will also address the challenge of contaminating ground and surface water resources. This will, in turn, eradicate water contamination and diseases as a result of flooding of homes, access roads and business premises.
Ruiru municipality manager Fredrick Mwangi has urged Ruiru residents and landlords to connect waste and stormwater to the secondary sewer line. This is meant to increase the number of residents with access to sewer services and reduce cases of pollution and waterborne diseases related to hazardous liquid waste.
