Munyu residents regain water supply after 18-month shutdown

The Munyu Community Water Project stopped pumping water in 2024 after Kenya Power disconnected electricity supply over an outstanding bill of about KSh500,000, leaving hundreds of residents dependent on alternative and often unsafe sources.

The electricity debt had accumulated penalties, further straining the water scheme, while residents and local institutions owed the project more than KSh2 million in unpaid water bills.

The project was restored after Thika Town parliamentary aspirant Mohamed Aden settled the KSh500,000 electricity arrears, allowing power supply to be reinstated and water services to resume.

Residents said the prolonged disruption had placed a heavy burden on households, particularly women and children who had to travel long distances in search of water.

Munyu resident Lucy Njeri said the shortage had forced families to rely on unsafe water sources, exposing them to health risks and disrupting daily activities.

Speaking during the handover, Aden criticised local leaders for failing to resolve the water crisis and said the situation demonstrated the need for greater attention to stalled community projects.

He said that if elected, he would prioritise the completion of stalled projects across Thika Constituency, including improvements to the local road network.

The revival of the water project, however, leaves the scheme with a wider financial challenge, with more than KSh2 million in outstanding water bills owed by consumers and institutions.

The arrears could affect the project's ability to meet operational costs unless the debts are recovered and the scheme adopts measures to ensure regular payment by consumers.