The Thika Water and Sewerage Company (THIWASCO) has revealed that the current water production capacity in Thika town is below current demand.
THIWASCO Managing Director Moses Kinya revealed the data and said they need to produce an additional 15,000 cubic metres of water daily to end water rationing in Thika town and its environs.
“The demand of water in Thika and the neighbouring Weitethie and Landless Estates is huge given an upsurge in population occasioned by the many colleges, universities and industries in the areas. Therefore, we need to manage our water effectively through rationing,” said Director Kinya.
Upgrading water production infrastructure
THIWASCO is currently producing a capacity of 40,000 cubic metres of water. The town depends on a 50-years old water supply design established when it was small and which has never undergone major upgrade over the years, thus finding itself overwhelmed, given the increased population over the years.
However, through partnerships, the water company is in the process of upgrading the water production infrastructure and assets to undertake large scale water production. Director Kinya added that they are also relying on the completion of the Kariminu II dam whose construction is ongoing in Gatundu North Sub-county and that they have already put up a water collection and treatment point near Maryhill Girls School.
The Sh 24billion mega dam will produce 70,000 cubic metres of water daily and end water crisis in Thika, Juja, Ruiru Sub-counties as well as the Nairobi City. 80% of the water will be supplied to Thika, Ruiru and Juja Sub-counties, while the remaining 20% will be distributed to Nairobi County.
