Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika’s Water agenda has received a major boost as county government moved to commission state-of-the-art Water Drilling Rig.
The new rig will enable drilling of additional 70 boreholes to the current ones already operational.
Deputy Governor David Kones who graced the event on behalf of Governor Kihika, reiterated County government’s commitment towards service delivery to the people.
The DG revealed that the county has made numerous strides in the water sector with over 15,000 households already receiving water services through county initiatives, solarised 45 boreholes and numerous water viosks established.
He pointed out that in the coming years issues of water will no longer be a challenge for Nakuru.
“In the coming years, Nakuru County shall be talking about something else but not water. The focus will now be on other services,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Nakuru county is working with national government towards operationalization of Itare Dam in Kuresoi.
The DG noted that this will unlock and spur economic growth within the various subcounties especially in agriculture sector.
With own water drilling Rig, the county will save on resources of hiring but also ensure efficiency in drilling boreholes.
It should be noted that Nakuru county has been spending Kshs 50,000 every month on water used to maintain Nyayo Gardens alone within CBD.
The decision to have first borehole drilled at the gardens will largely save the county.
County Secretary Dr Samuel Mwaura termed the decision of drilling the first borehole at Nyayo Gardens as very resourceful to both fire engines and gardens.
The CS called for the need for water department to also expedite and ensure all learning institutions in all the subcounties have water no matter lack of ownership documents.
“We need to expedite through water department to ensure our education institutions have water connected no matter the lack of ownership documents,” he stated.
CECM Water, Environment and Natural resources Nelson Mara noted that this is a major boost by County Government of Nakuru.
He sounded a stern warning to individuals who have grabbed land meant for public utilities such as boreholes.
“We will work to ensure we recover public land meant for boreholes, but were grabbed by individuals,” he said.
The CECM revealed that major source of water for Nakuru is underground water and investment in quality drilling is key.
With the launch of this machine that is 12 inches, the County assured residents of plenty of water even in areas where the resource has been exhausted due to numerous drilling,” he said.
According to statistics, the previous machines in the county have been drilling 8 inches.
Sentiments echoed by Lands CECM John Kihagi.
He pointed out that a section of individuals have been grabbing land meant for boreholes.
The Lands CECM was categorical that with good working among departments all grabbed lands will be recovered.
Health CECM Roslyne Mungai was optimistic that with such water projects, then there shall be a healthy county.
On his part Roads CECM Michael Kamau lauded Governor Kihika on matters development.
He told off individuals who are out to taint the image of Governor Susan Kihika, adding that the Governor is focused on service delivery.
CO Water Engineer Margaret Kinyanjui lauded the project of buying the drilling Rig machine as it will go long way in ensuring water to various sub counties and Wards.
The leaders called on Nakuru residents to continue supporting the county government of Nakuru and report any vandalism in projects.
