As Thika progresses toward city status, mounting concerns about an intensifying water shortage threaten to impede the town’s rapid urban and industrial development.
The thriving industrial center currently faces a daily water shortfall surpassing 20,000 cubic metres, as demand consistently exceeds supply driven by rapid population increases, urban sprawl, and expanding industrial operations.
Currently, Thika Water and Sewerage Company generates about 40,000 cubic metres of water daily, a volume deemed insufficient for the town’s population exceeding 279,000 alongside the additional residents anticipated in the near future.
To tackle the situation, the national government via the Athi Water Works Development Agency has initiated a Sh15.4 billion water expansion project designed to boost production by 70,000 cubic metres daily.
This undertaking, executed in partnership with the Danish International Development Agency, encompasses water infrastructure enhancement, new storage facility construction, and establishment of contemporary water treatment facilities.
Addressing THIWASCO’s annual stakeholders’ gathering, Managing Director Eng. Moses Kinya indicated that the proposed upgrades should alleviate chronic water shortages and rationing experienced by residents of the rapidly expanding town for years.
Kinya mentioned that upon completion, the project will significantly improve water availability and bolster Thika’s bid to become Kenya’s sixth city following Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru and Eldoret.
Meeting participants urged the water utility to expedite construction of additional treatment facilities, sewerage systems, and residential water and sewer connections to accommodate the town’s growing population and escalating industrial needs.
THIWASCO also aims to tap into the substantial Kariminu II Dam project, which currently serves Ruiru, Juja and Nairobi.
Company Board Chairperson Bishop Dr Kennedy M. Mbatia along with David Kimani Kuria highlighted the necessity of greater investment in water infrastructure to maintain the town’s economic and urban progress.
Simultaneously, Kinya reported that the company, working with the Water Police Unit, had heightened crackdowns on unauthorized water connections, leading to the apprehension of numerous individuals involved in water theft and infrastructure damage.
He appealed to residents to assist the company in protecting water infrastructure and backing initiatives focused on enhancing services throughout the town.