County Government of Laikipia

Beneficiaries of the Makurian-Osirua water project have expressed their longing to start farming once they start using the commodity that has been lacking for many years.

We would like to be trained so that we stop dealing with livestock alone and start farming and irrigation. We are thankful to this government for bringing us water. said James Senjura, a resident from Chumvi.

Another youth from the same area spoke of how the locals are ready to transform their lives using the Makurian water.

According to him, lack of water is the missing link hindering development in the area but now change is on the way.

We are ready to make money using this water. We as a community, like dealing with milk and we will now be using the feedlot system for our livestock. You have given us hope to invest. said Hugo Kimiri.

The work is on top gear, distribution line in Chumvi villages from Lekudud, Ositat, and Nyumba Mpya takes three directions. One, Lekudud which is 3.8km, Nyumba Mpya which is 3km, and Ositat line which is 1.8km in length.

All trenches have been excavated and pipes are on-site, laying them down is ongoing.

Governor Ndiritu Muriithi and Deputy Governor John Mwaniki, accompanied by CECM in charge of Water Hon. Peter Matunge and Nawasco officers toured Mukogodo East on Saturday 25 ^th September 2021 to inspect the project.

The activity started from the intake at the foot of Mt. Kenya and proceeded to the main head tanks at Lolomarik. The main pipeline from the intake to Lolomarik tanks covers a distance of 7.654km.

The two head tanks have each a capacity of 225m ³. They are designed to distribute water to Makurian and Chumvi villages.

The transmission line to Makurian villages from the head tanks at Lolomarik Head Tanks to OlKalkar storage tank is almost complete, excavation, laying down of pipes, and backfilling have been done. Currently, the line is being tested for leaks and defects from the water from head tanks.

The 8.9km transmission line to Chumvi villages from Lolomarik Head Tanks to Loruko Tank is complete, and water for testing is already flowing through the line. Backfilling of a section of the pipeline is outstanding.

The one-day inspection enabled the Governor to interact with residents of Loruko, Chumvi, and Kiwanja reassuring them that whilst the project is 60 percent complete, he will ensure the project is complete in time and end the community's long travel and back-breaking hustle in search of this precious commodity, water.

The residents expressed their gratitude saying they have been waiting for the fulfillment of this promise for decades.

We started receiving promises of water in this area from when Daniel Moi was the president. We have seen regimes come and go with empty promises, but finally, this government has made the dream come true. commented the community chairman, Mr. Shuel.

Two more tanks are to be constructed at Loruko and Lekudad each with a capacity of 135m ³. Excavation for the foundations and base plates for the tanks has been done. The three principals made the groundbreaking of the construction site of the fifth tank at Ol-karkar during the visit. It will have a capacity of 225m ³.